ABA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ABA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which volatile anesthetic is CONTRAINDICATED in patients with a family history of malignant hyperthermia? → All halogenated volatile agents
2. What is general anesthesia? → Unconsciousness induced for surgery
3. What are opioids used for in pain management? → To alleviate moderate to severe pain
4. A post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is BEST characterized by which feature? → Frontal/occipital pain worsened upright and relieved supine
5. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in fundamentals & core concepts to verify that ABA professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
6. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in technology & digital tools to verify that ABA professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
7. Which complication is associated with unintentional intravascular injection during an interscalene brachial plexus block? → Vertebral artery injection causing seizures
8. What is the significance of maintaining confidentiality in anesthesia? → To ensure that patient information is kept private
9. What is the primary ethical obligation of a ABA professional when a conflict of interest arises during safety protocols & risk management activities? → Disclose the conflict to all relevant parties and recuse from the decision if necessary
10. What is the role of preoperative assessment? → To assess patient health and anesthesia risks
11. What is the primary ethical obligation of a ABA professional when a conflict of interest arises during best practices & standard procedures activities? → Disclose the conflict to all relevant parties and recuse from the decision if necessary
12. What is the primary ethical obligation of a ABA professional when a conflict of interest arises during quality assurance & continuous improvement activities? → Disclose the conflict to all relevant parties and recuse from the decision if necessary
13. What is the difference between local and regional anesthesia? → Local numbs a small area, regional numbs a larger area
14. What is regional anesthesia? → Blocking sensation in a specific part of the body
15. What is the importance of teamwork in anesthesia care? → To ensure effective and coordinated care
16. The safest minimum time interval to perform neuraxial block after the LAST dose of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis is: → 12 hours
17. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in best practices & standard procedures to verify that ABA professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
18. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of professional standards & ethics as it applies to ASA Board Certification? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
19. What is the primary ethical obligation of a ABA professional when a conflict of interest arises during communication & documentation skills activities? → Disclose the conflict to all relevant parties and recuse from the decision if necessary
20. What is the importance of hydration during surgery? → To maintain fluid balance and avoid complications
21. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in safety protocols & risk management to verify that ABA professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
22. During epidural catheter placement, loss of resistance technique confirms entry into the epidural space by demonstrating: → Sudden loss of resistance to injection of air or saline
23. What is an epidural for pain management? → Injection into the spinal cord to block pain
24. What is patient safety? → Practices that prevent harm and ensure effective care
25. A ABA professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing professional standards & ethics duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
26. Neostigmine reverses neuromuscular blockade by which mechanism? → Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, increasing ACh at the neuromuscular junction
27. Which vasopressor has the MOST selective alpha-1 adrenergic activity with minimal beta effects, making it the preferred agent for spinal hypotension? → Phenylephrine
28. What is ventilatory support in critical care? → To provide breathing support for patients in critical care
29. What is the primary purpose of anesthesia? → To block sensation and pain during procedures
30. A ABA professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing safety protocols & risk management duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding