100+ Free VTS (Surgery) Practice Questions

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Question 1

Score: 0/0

What is the recommended concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate for surgical scrub?

0.5%

2-4%

7.5%

10%

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: VTS (Surgery) Exam

100

Free Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep VTS (Surgery) question bank

3+ yrs

Surgical Experience Required

AVST eligibility (≥6,000 hours)

40+

Advanced Case Logs

AVST credentials requirement

Detailed Case Reports

AVST credentials requirement

40+ hrs

Surgery-Specific CE

AVST credentials requirement

~$350

2026 Exam Fee

AVST (verify current schedule)

VTS (Surgery) is awarded by the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians (AVST) to credentialed veterinary technicians (CVT/LVT/RVT) who complete 3+ years (≥6,000 hours) of surgical-focused practice, 40+ case logs, 4 case reports, 40+ hours of CE, and pass a written examination. Exam fee ~$350. Domains: aseptic technique (~12%), surgical instruments (~10%), suture material and patterns (~10%), orthopedic assisting (~10%), soft tissue assisting (~10%), sterilization (~8%), hemostasis (~6%), patient prep and positioning (~6%), thoracic/neurosurgery (~6%), GDV and emergency (~5%), intraoperative monitoring and fluids (~5%), analgesia and local blocks (~5%), postoperative care (~5%), minimally invasive (~4%), and wound classification and SSI (~3%).

Sample VTS (Surgery) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your VTS (Surgery) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the recommended concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate for surgical scrub?

A.0.5%

B.2-4%

C.7.5%

D.10%

Explanation: Chlorhexidine gluconate at 2-4% is the standard concentration used for surgical hand scrub. It has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with residual effect that persists on the skin. It is less irritating than povidone-iodine and maintains activity in the presence of organic material.

2Standard gravity-displacement autoclave cycle uses which temperature and pressure?

A.100°C at 10 psi

B.121°C at 15 psi

C.134°C at 30 psi

D.160°C at 5 psi

Explanation: A standard steam sterilization cycle runs at 121°C (250°F) at 15 psi for 15-30 minutes. This combination of heat, pressure, and moisture denatures microbial proteins and destroys spores. Flash sterilization uses higher temperature (134°C) for shorter durations.

3Which scissors are designed for delicate tissue dissection?

A.Mayo scissors

B.Metzenbaum scissors

C.Bandage scissors

D.Suture scissors

Explanation: Metzenbaum scissors have long, slender handles with short, rounded blades designed for delicate tissue dissection. Mayo scissors are heavier with shorter handles, used for cutting fascia and heavy tissue. Using Metzenbaums on heavy tissue damages the fine blades.

4Which suture material is monofilament and absorbable?

A.Silk

B.Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl)

C.Poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl)

D.Polypropylene (Prolene)

Explanation: Monocryl (poliglecaprone 25) is a monofilament, absorbable suture losing most tensile strength by 21 days and absorbed by 90-120 days. PDS and Maxon are also monofilament absorbables. Vicryl is absorbable but braided/multifilament.

5Which suture pattern is INVERTING and used for hollow viscous closure?

A.Simple interrupted

B.Cushing

C.Ford interlocking

D.Horizontal mattress

Explanation: The Cushing pattern is a continuous inverting pattern commonly used for hollow organ closure (stomach, bladder, uterus). Inverting patterns turn edges inward to create a serosal-to-serosal seal, essential for a watertight closure of hollow viscera.

6Recommended compression rate during CPR per RECOVER guidelines is:

A.60-80/min

B.80-100/min

C.100-120/min

D.150/min

Explanation: RECOVER guidelines (2012, updated 2024) recommend chest compression rates of 100-120 compressions per minute. Compressions should be 1/3 the chest depth with full recoil, performed in 2-minute cycles with minimal interruption.

7Low-dose epinephrine for CPR is:

A.0.001 mg/kg IV

B.0.01 mg/kg IV

C.0.1 mg/kg IV

D.1 mg/kg IV

Explanation: Low-dose epinephrine per RECOVER is 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO, used for initial cycles of CPR. High-dose (0.1 mg/kg) is only reserved for prolonged CPR. Epinephrine's alpha effect peripherally vasoconstricts to improve coronary perfusion pressure.

8Which retractor is self-retaining and commonly used for abdominal exposure?

A.Senn

B.Army-Navy

C.Balfour

D.Hohmann

Explanation: The Balfour retractor is a self-retaining abdominal retractor with two lateral blades and an optional central bladder blade. It holds the body wall open during laparotomy without assistant hands. Gelpi and Finochietto are other self-retaining retractors.

9The preferred blade size for surgical clipping is:

A.#10

B.#15

C.#30

D.#40

Explanation: A #40 clipper blade is used for surgical clipping because it cuts closest to the skin (leaves approximately 0.25 mm hair length). Closer clipping minimizes bacterial burden in the surgical site, which reduces SSI risk. #10 and #15 are scalpel blades, not clipper blades.

10Which gowning/gloving technique keeps the hands INSIDE the gown cuff until gloves are on?

A.Open gloving

B.Closed gloving

C.Assisted gloving

D.Sterile field gloving

Explanation: Closed gloving keeps the hands inside the gown sleeves until the glove is placed over the cuff, minimizing contamination risk. Open gloving exposes bare hands during the process. Closed gloving is preferred for initial self-gowning after scrubbing.

About the VTS (Surgery) Exam

The VTS (Surgery) credential is awarded by the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians (AVST — avst-vts.org) to credentialed veterinary technicians (CVT/LVT/RVT) who demonstrate advanced expertise in perioperative surgical nursing. Eligibility requires a minimum of 3 years (≥6,000 hours) of surgical-focused practice, 40+ advanced case logs, 4 detailed case reports, 40+ hours of surgery-specific continuing education, and letters of recommendation — all reviewed by the AVST Credentials Committee before a candidate is approved to sit for the written examination. Exam content validates mastery of aseptic technique, sterilization (steam autoclave, EtO, STERRAD plasma, Cidex), surgical instrument identification and care, suture material and patterns, staples, hemostasis (monopolar vs bipolar electrosurgery, LigaSure, ligature techniques), orthopedic assisting (TPLO/TTA/lateral suture, FHO, THR, ESF, internal fixation), soft tissue assisting (OHE, cystotomy, enterotomy, gastropexy, splenectomy, PU cats), GDV and emergency surgery, thoracic and neurosurgery, minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy with 10-15 mmHg CO2 pneumoperitoneum), patient prep and positioning, intraoperative monitoring and fluid therapy, multimodal analgesia and local blocks, postoperative care and bandaging (Robert Jones, Ehmer, Velpeau), wound classification and SSI prevention, and professional ethics.

Questions

200 scored questions

Time Limit

Written examination at AVST-approved venue

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced passing standard set by AVST Credentials Committee (modified Angoff)

Exam Fee

~$350 credentialing examination fee (AVST 2026 — verify current schedule) (Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians (AVST))

VTS (Surgery) Exam Content Outline

~12%

Aseptic Technique & Sterile Field

Surgical scrub (chlorhexidine gluconate 2-4% vs povidone-iodine 7.5% then 10%), 5-minute scrub vs brushless alcohol-based prep, gowning and gloving (closed vs open method, assisted gloving), sterile field maintenance, traffic control, double-gloving, neutral-zone sharps safety.

~10%

Surgical Instruments

Metzenbaum vs Mayo scissors, Balfour abdominal retractor, Gelpi, Finochietto thoracic retractor, Senn, Army-Navy, Babcock atraumatic, Allis, Kocher, Carmalt, Halsted mosquito vs Rochester, right-angle forceps, Mayo-Hegar/Olsen-Hegar/Castroviejo needle holders, orthopedic instruments (periosteal elevator, curette, osteotome, rasp, Jacobs chuck, Hall drill, oscillating saw, reamer, cerclage wire passer, bone-holding and reduction forceps).

~10%

Suture Material & Patterns

Absorbable (catgut, Vicryl polyglactin 910, Monocryl poliglecaprone 25, PDS II polydioxanone, Maxon polyglyconate), non-absorbable (silk, Prolene polypropylene, nylon, polyester, stainless steel), monofilament vs multifilament, USP 2-0 through 10-0 sizing, patterns (simple interrupted/continuous, cruciate, horizontal/vertical mattress, Ford interlocking, Cushing, Lembert, Connell, Halsted, Gambee, subcuticular, purse-string), staples (GIA, TA, skin).

~10%

Orthopedic Surgery Assisting

External coaptation (cast/splint), external skeletal fixation ESF Types I/II/III, circular Ilizarov, internal fixation (bone plate/screw, IM pin, cerclage wire, tension band, interlocking nail), CCL repair (TPLO, TTA, extracapsular lateral suture), FHO, THR, medial vs lateral patellar luxation repair.

~10%

Soft Tissue Surgery Assisting

OHE, OSE, orchiectomy, cystotomy for uroliths, enterotomy/enterectomy with resection and anastomosis, gastrotomy, prophylactic gastropexy, splenectomy, nephrectomy, hepatic lobectomy, PU (perineal urethrostomy) in cats, scrotal urethrostomy in dogs, hernia repair (inguinal/umbilical/perineal/diaphragmatic), endocrine surgery (thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, adrenalectomy).

~8%

Sterilization & Disinfection

Steam autoclave (121°C @ 15 psi for 15-30 min; 134°C flash for 4 min), ethylene oxide (EtO), hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (STERRAD), glutaraldehyde/OPA cold sterilization (Cidex), biological indicators (Geobacillus stearothermophilus for steam; Bacillus atrophaeus for EtO), chemical Class 1-6 indicators, Spaulding classification.

~6%

Hemostasis & Electrosurgery

Monopolar vs bipolar electrosurgery, vessel-sealing devices (LigaSure, ENSeal, Harmonic), ligature techniques (circumferential, transfixation, modified Miller's knot for pedicles), topical hemostatic agents (gelfoam, Surgicel, thrombin, bone wax), electrosurgery safety.

~6%

Patient Prep & Positioning

Clip with #40 blade in direction of hair growth, chlorhexidine 2-4% OR povidone-iodine 7.5% scrub followed by 10% solution, 4-corner draping with Backhaus towel clamps + final fenestrated drape + Ioban adhesive drape, ventral/dorsal/lateral/sternal recumbency, padding, tie-downs, nerve-compression avoidance, active warming (Bair Hugger).

~6%

Thoracic & Neurosurgery

Lung lobectomy, PDA ligation, pericardiectomy, diaphragmatic hernia repair, thoracotomy positioning, hemilaminectomy for Hansen type I/II IVDD, ventral slot for cervical disc, durotomy, craniotomy.

~5%

GDV & Emergency Surgery

GDV decompression (orogastric or trocar), ventral midline celiotomy, derotation, fluorescein perfusion assessment, gastropexy techniques (incisional/belt-loop/circumcostal), hemoabdomen, tension pneumothorax thoracentesis, anaphylaxis, reperfusion arrhythmia (lidocaine CRI).

~5%

Intraoperative Monitoring & Fluids

HR/ECG, direct or Doppler/oscillometric blood pressure (MAP >60 mmHg), SpO2 >95%, ETCO2 35-45 mmHg, temperature, anesthetic depth, crystalloid 3-5 mL/kg/hr, 5-10 mL/kg bolus for hypotension, colloid or hypertonic saline as needed.

~5%

Analgesia & Local Blocks

Multimodal analgesia, testicular intratesticular, intraincisional line block with lidocaine ± bupivacaine, splash blocks, intra-articular, epidural morphine + bupivacaine at L7-S1, opioid and ketamine CRIs, lidocaine CRI (DOGS ONLY — contraindicated in cats), NSAID safety.

~5%

Postoperative Care & Bandaging

Wound management, Robert Jones, modified RJ, spica, Ehmer sling (hip luxation), Velpeau sling (shoulder), Schroeder-Thomas splint, Penrose passive drain vs Jackson-Pratt active suction, cold compress first 24-48 hours then warm, Elizabethan collar, activity restriction, PROM and cryotherapy for rehab.

~4%

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Laparoscopy (rigid scope 0°/30°, trocars/cannulas, Veress needle, insufflator — CO2 pneumoperitoneum at 10-15 mmHg, camera tower), laparoscopic OHE and prophylactic gastropexy, thoracoscopy, arthroscopy.

~3%

Wound Classification & SSI Prevention

Clean, clean-contaminated, contaminated, dirty/infected; perioperative antibiotic timing (30-60 min before incision, redose every 90 minutes or ≥2 half-lives for long surgeries); SSI prevention bundle (normothermia, glycemic control, antibiotic stewardship, hair removal immediately pre-op).

How to Pass the VTS (Surgery) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-referenced passing standard set by AVST Credentials Committee (modified Angoff)
Exam length: 200 questions
Time limit: Written examination at AVST-approved venue
Exam fee: ~$350 credentialing examination fee (AVST 2026 — verify current schedule)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

VTS (Surgery) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Halsted's 7 principles — memorize with mnemonic AHMAPAM: Asepsis (strict), Hemostasis (meticulous), Minimum tension on tissues, Accurate apposition of tissues in anatomic alignment, Preservation of blood supply, Atraumatic (gentle) tissue handling, Minimum dead space. Every surgical-nurse decision (retractor choice, suture pattern, drain placement) should defend one or more of these principles.

2Chlorhexidine vs povidone-iodine — chlorhexidine 2-4% has persistent (residual) activity for 6+ hours and is NOT inactivated by blood/serum, which is why it is first choice for surgical scrub and antiseptic. Povidone-iodine is inactivated by organic material and has minimal residual effect. Neither is reliably sporicidal. Do not mix them directly on the skin (can inactivate one another). #40 blade, clip in the direction of hair growth, immediately pre-op — not the night before.

3Steam autoclave parameters — memorize: gravity displacement at 121°C (250°F) and 15 psi for 15-30 minutes, or pre-vacuum flash at 134°C (273°F) for 4 minutes. Biological indicator = Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores for steam; Bacillus atrophaeus for ethylene oxide. Chemical indicators are Class 1-6 (Class 5 integrators and Class 6 emulators most reliable). EtO is for heat/moisture-sensitive items; STERRAD (H2O2 plasma) is fast and materials-friendly but cannot penetrate cellulose/linen.

4Suture pattern selection — appositional for skin and linea alba (simple interrupted, cruciate, Ford interlocking); inverting for hollow viscera (Cushing, Lembert, Connell) to create a serosa-to-serosa seal; everting when apposing fascial edges that would invert on their own (horizontal mattress). Gambee is a modified appositional GI pattern that prevents mucosal eversion. Monofilament absorbable (PDS II, Monocryl, Maxon) is preferred for contaminated tissue over multifilament (Vicryl) because it resists wicking bacteria.

5GDV nursing pearls — (1) two large-bore IVs with shock-dose crystalloid 60-90 mL/kg IV (dog) started BEFORE decompression to restore venous return after caval compression, (2) orogastric tube decompression or percutaneous trocar, (3) ventral midline celiotomy with derotation, (4) fluorescein to check stomach perfusion (dark/purple serosa, thin wall, no bleeding on incision = non-viable, partial gastrectomy required), (5) right-sided incisional gastropexy is the standard prophylactic technique with >90% reduction in recurrence, (6) monitor post-op for reperfusion arrhythmias (VPCs) — treat with lidocaine CRI in dogs (NEVER cats), (7) restricted activity and NPO pre-op only if immediate surgery; never delay surgery for fasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VTS (Surgery) credential?

VTS (Surgery) — Veterinary Technician Specialist in Surgery — is a post-graduate specialty credential awarded by the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians (AVST, avst-vts.org). It recognizes credentialed veterinary technicians (CVT/LVT/RVT) who demonstrate advanced expertise in perioperative surgical nursing through a rigorous credentialing application (case logs, case reports, CE) and a written examination. VTS (Surgery) is one of several NAVTA-recognized specialty academies.

Who is eligible to sit for the VTS (Surgery) exam?

Candidates must (1) hold an active CVT, LVT, or RVT credential in good standing, (2) have a minimum of 3 years (≥6,000 hours) of veterinary practice with a majority of time dedicated to surgical nursing within the 5 years preceding application, (3) submit 40+ advanced surgical case logs and 4 detailed case reports demonstrating advanced clinical reasoning, (4) document 40+ hours of surgery-specific continuing education within the past 5 years, and (5) provide letters of recommendation. The credentials packet is reviewed by the AVST Credentials Committee before a candidate is approved to sit for the written exam.

What does the VTS (Surgery) exam cover?

The written examination validates advanced perioperative surgical nursing knowledge: aseptic technique and sterile field, sterilization and disinfection, surgical instrument identification and care, suture material and patterns (including GI and skin staples), hemostasis and electrosurgery, orthopedic surgery assisting (TPLO, TTA, lateral suture, FHO, THR, MPL, ESF, internal fixation), soft tissue surgery assisting (OHE, cystotomy, enterotomy, gastropexy, splenectomy, PU cats, hernia repair), GDV and emergency surgery, thoracic and neurosurgery (lung lobectomy, PDA, hemilaminectomy, ventral slot), minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy with CO2 pneumoperitoneum), patient prep and positioning, intraoperative monitoring and fluid therapy, multimodal analgesia and local blocks, postoperative care and bandaging, wound classification and SSI prevention, and professional ethics.

How much does the VTS (Surgery) exam cost?

The 2026 AVST credentialing examination fee is approximately $350 — verify the current schedule on avst-vts.org. Additional costs include credentials packet application fees, conference travel (the exam is typically administered in conjunction with a partner conference such as IVECCS or the Veterinary Meeting & Expo), and ongoing AVST recertification dues on a 5-year cycle.

When and where is the exam administered?

AVST administers the VTS (Surgery) written examination once annually, typically in conjunction with a partner veterinary conference. Specific dates, locations, and deadlines are published on avst-vts.org each credentialing cycle. Candidates must submit a complete application and credentials packet by the posted deadline the year prior to the exam.

How is the exam scored?

AVST uses criterion-referenced scoring with a passing standard set by the Credentials Committee using a modified Angoff method. A candidate's result depends on performance against the fixed cut-score, not against other candidates. Results are typically reported as pass or fail without a numeric score.

What are the highest-yield topics?

Highest-yield topics include chlorhexidine vs povidone-iodine surgical scrub, closed vs open gloving, steam autoclave parameters (121°C/15 psi/15-30 min or 134°C flash) and biological indicators (Geobacillus stearothermophilus), instrument identification (Metzenbaum/Balfour/Finochietto/Gelpi/Babcock/Allis/Kocher/Halsted/Mayo-Hegar), suture selection (PDS II vs Monocryl vs Vicryl vs nylon vs Prolene; monofilament vs multifilament; USP sizing), suture patterns (inverting patterns — Cushing/Lembert/Connell for hollow viscera; Gambee for GI), TPLO/TTA/extracapsular CCL, GDV gastropexy techniques, hemilaminectomy vs ventral slot for IVDD, perioperative antibiotic timing (30-60 min before incision, redose q90 min), wound classification, Robert Jones/Ehmer/Velpeau bandaging, and lidocaine CRI contraindicated in cats.

How should I study for the VTS (Surgery) exam?

Begin with a gap analysis against the AVST domains, then use a 9-12 month structured plan layered on ongoing case-log accumulation. Core references include Slatter's Textbook of Small Animal Surgery, Fossum's Small Animal Surgery, Tear's Small Animal Surgical Nursing, Tobias and Johnston's Veterinary Surgery: Small Animal, Tracey's Small Animal Surgical Nursing, and current journals (Veterinary Surgery, JAVMA, Today's Veterinary Nurse). Supplement with VetFolio, IVECCS/WVC/VMX CE sessions, and your hospital's surgical team. Complete 2-3 full-length timed mock exams before the sitting.