Free TS-C (NCCT) certification exam Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the TS-C (NCCT) certification exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1During thyroid surgery, the surgeon divides the narrow band joining the right and left thyroid lobes. Which structure is being divided?

   1. A. Isthmus
   2. B. Capsule
   3. C. Follicle
   4. D. Parathyroid

   Answer: A

   Explanation: NCI states, "The two lobes are connected by a narrow band of tissue called the isthmus." This identifies the tissue joining the lobes.

   Reference: SEER Training: Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands — Thyroid Gland

2. 2Before opening supplies, the technologist checks that the instruments and equipment pulled for the scheduled operation match the surgeon's requirements. Which document guides this cross-check?

   1. A. Intraoperative count record
   2. B. Safety data sheet
   3. C. Pathology requisition
   4. D. Surgeon's preference card

   Answer: D

   Explanation: AST states, "The CST should cross-check the surgeon’s preference card against the instruments, supplies, and equipment". It guides case-specific preparation.

   Reference: AST Guidelines for Best Practices for Establishing the Sterile Field in the Operating Room — Guideline I.1, p.2

3. 3A surgeon requests a suture prepared from bovine serosal connective tissue or ovine intestinal submucosa. Which material should the technologist select?

   1. A. Silk
   2. B. Nylon
   3. C. Polypropylene
   4. D. Surgical gut

   Answer: D

   Explanation: The regulation describes gut as "prepared from either the serosal connective tissue layer of beef (bovine) or the submucosal fibrous tissue of sheep (ovine) intestine". This is the biologic material requested.

   Reference: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: 21 CFR Part 878 — 21 CFR 878.4830(a)

4. 4After wound closure, the surgical technologist is preparing the surrounding skin for the dressing. Which cleaning sequence follows the AST recommendation?

   1. A. Clean with a dry sponge, then rinse with saline.
   2. B. Clean with a saline-soaked sponge, then dry with a dry sponge.
   3. C. Clean with an alcohol-soaked sponge, then rinse with saline.
   4. D. Clean with an antiseptic-soaked sponge, then dry with alcohol.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: AST states, "The CST should use a saline-soaked sponge to gently clean the skin around the wound and use a dry sponge to dry the skin." This sequence cleans and dries the surrounding skin without disrupting the closure or dislodging drains.

   Reference: AST Guidelines for Breaking Down the Sterile Field — Guideline I.2, p.2

5. 5A thyroid operation damages the parathyroid glands. Loss of their principal hormonal effect would most directly impair regulation of which blood constituent?

   1. A. Sodium
   2. B. Calcium
   3. C. Potassium
   4. D. Glucose

   Answer: B

   Explanation: NCI states, "Parathyroid hormone is the most important regulator of blood calcium levels." Parathyroid injury therefore threatens calcium regulation.

   Reference: SEER Training: Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands — Parathyroid Gland

6. 6The technologist plans the room layout for an upcoming case. When should furniture and equipment be grouped and positioned?

   1. A. Before sterile items are opened
   2. B. After the patient is draped
   3. C. After the initial incision
   4. D. During the first instrument count

   Answer: A

   Explanation: AST specifies "prior to opening the sterile items." Planning the layout first avoids unnecessary movement around an established sterile field.

   Reference: AST Guidelines for Best Practices for Establishing the Sterile Field in the Operating Room — Guideline II, p.2

7. 7The preference card calls for a polyamide suture. Which familiar material name corresponds to the long-chain aliphatic polymers specified for this suture?

   1. A. Nylon
   2. B. Silk
   3. C. Polydioxanone
   4. D. Polyester

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The regulation identifies polyamide sutures as prepared from "Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6". Nylon is the requested polymer family.

   Reference: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: 21 CFR Part 878 — 21 CFR 878.5020(a)

8. 8A double-gloved technologist is preparing to assist with the sterile dressing after closure. Which original glove-layer configuration does AST recommend for this transition?

   1. A. Both the original inner and outer pairs
   2. B. The original outer pair alone
   3. C. Neither of the original glove pairs
   4. D. The original inner pair alone

   Answer: D

   Explanation: AST specifies that "the outer glove should be removed first to prevent blood and body fluids from the outer glove contacting the sterile dressing." The inner pair remains as the sterile barrier for assisting with dressing application.

   Reference: AST Guidelines for Breaking Down the Sterile Field — Guideline I.3, p.2

9. 9The anesthesia professional identifies a malignant hyperthermia crisis and requests the specific treatment medication. Which medication should the technologist anticipate?

   1. A. Protamine sulfate
   2. B. Naloxone hydrochloride
   3. C. Dantrolene sodium
   4. D. Neostigmine

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The label states, "Dantrolene Sodium for Injection is indicated, along with appropriate supportive measures, for the management of the fulminant hypermetabolism of skeletal muscle characteristic of malignant hyperthermia crises in patients of all ages." Dantrolene is the requested treatment.

   Reference: Dantrolene Sodium for Injection: Prescribing Information — Indications and Usage

10. 10The technologist positions furniture that will become part of the sterile field. What minimum distance from the wall does AST recommend?

    1. A. 6 inches
    2. B. 12 inches
    3. C. 18 inches
    4. D. 24 inches

    Answer: B

    Explanation: AST specifies "a minimum of 12 inches away from the wall". The question asks the minimum, rather than whether greater distances can comply.

    Reference: AST Guidelines for Best Practices for Establishing the Sterile Field in the Operating Room — PDF p. 2