Practice Test Geeks(ABFAS) American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery Practice Test
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Safety and Infection Control Flashcards

7 cards from real ABFAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Safety and Infection Control flashcards as text

  1. Which organism is most commonly responsible for surgical site infections following foot and ankle procedures?

    Answer: Staphylococcus aureus

    Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, is the leading cause of surgical site infections in foot and ankle surgery.

  2. What is the recommended duration for surgical hand antisepsis using an alcohol-based hand rub before a foot and ankle procedure?

    Answer: 3–5 minutes

    Alcohol-based surgical hand rubs should be applied for 3–5 minutes following manufacturer instructions to achieve adequate antisepsis.

  3. A patient develops a fever of 38.6°C on postoperative day 1 after an elective bunionectomy. What is the most likely cause?

    Answer: Wind (atelectasis)

    Fever within the first 24–48 hours post-op is most commonly due to atelectasis (Wind), not wound infection.

  4. Which sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive foot and ankle surgical instruments?

    Answer: Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilization

    Ethylene oxide gas sterilizes heat-sensitive instruments without thermal damage, making it the preferred method for such items.

  5. According to OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards, when is double-gloving most strongly recommended in foot and ankle surgery?

    Answer: During procedures with high risk of glove perforation such as bone work with wires

    Double-gloving is recommended during high-risk procedures involving sharp instrumentation like K-wires to reduce bloodborne pathogen exposure.

  6. What is the purpose of a surgical safety checklist (e.g., WHO Surgical Safety Checklist) used before foot and ankle procedures?

    Answer: To reduce adverse events by verifying patient identity, site, and equipment readiness

    The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist systematically verifies critical safety items to reduce preventable complications and wrong-site surgery.

  7. Which antiseptic solution is contraindicated for preoperative skin preparation near the tympanic membrane but is commonly used for foot and ankle surgery prep?

    Answer: Chlorhexidine gluconate

    Chlorhexidine gluconate is ototoxic and contraindicated near the ear, but is widely used and preferred for foot/ankle surgical skin preparation.