BSPH Domain Overview
Surgical Pharmacology accounts for approximately 4.0% of the CST exam (6 of 150 scored items). It covers anesthetic agents, hemostatic agents, antibiotics, contrast media, irrigation solutions, medication handling on the sterile field, and basic drug calculations.
What to Study First
- Medication safety on the sterile field - labeling and verbal confirmation requirements are consistently tested.
- Epinephrine and end-arterial contraindications - a frequently tested safety point.
- Local vs. general vs. regional anesthesia categories - know the distinctions and typical use cases.
- Nonelectrolyte irrigants - why glycine/sorbitol are required for monopolar resectoscope procedures specifically.
- Basic drug math - dilution ratios and metric conversions relevant to OR medication preparation.
Read the full BSPH study guide
Question Strategy
- Pharmacology questions are frequently scenario-based - a bleeding or medication-handling situation described, asking for the appropriate agent or action.
- This domain connects directly to INTRA (hemostasis, medication safety) and PREOP/anesthesia content - study them together for reinforced retention.
- Because this is a small domain, focus on the specific safety-critical facts (epinephrine contraindications, labeling requirements) rather than exhaustive drug lists.
Common Traps to Avoid
- Forgetting that epinephrine is avoided in end-arterial tissue (fingers, toes, nose, ears, penis).
- Confusing which irrigation solutions are safe for monopolar vs. bipolar/laparoscopic procedures.
- Underestimating medication labeling questions - an unlabeled solution on the sterile field must always be discarded, never assumed.
Study Resources
- BSPH Glossary - key terms and definitions
- BSPH Common Mistakes - avoid the most frequent errors
- BSPH Exam Day Walkthrough
- Surgical Pharmacology Cheat Sheet
- Surgical Pharmacology Deep Dive
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