Practice Test Geeks(ABPS) Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery Practice Test
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Preoperative Assessment & Postoperative Care Flashcards

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

Read the first 7 Preoperative Assessment & Postoperative Care flashcards as text

  1. Which lab value is most critical to check before elective plastic surgery in a patient on long-term warfarin therapy?

    Answer: INR

    INR must be within an acceptable range (typically <1.5) before elective surgery to minimize bleeding risk in patients on warfarin.

  2. A patient undergoing abdominoplasty is found to have a BMI of 38. What is the most appropriate next step?

    Answer: Delay surgery and recommend weight loss to BMI <30

    A BMI ≥35 significantly increases complication risk (DVT, wound dehiscence, infection), and delaying surgery until BMI is reduced to <30–32 is standard ABPS guidance.

  3. What is the recommended postoperative position for a patient following facelift surgery to reduce edema?

    Answer: Head of bed elevated 30–45 degrees

    Elevating the head of the bed 30–45 degrees reduces facial edema and venous pooling following rhytidectomy.

  4. Which of the following is a Caprini score component used to assess VTE risk in plastic surgery patients?

    Answer: History of prior DVT or PE

    Prior DVT or PE is a major Caprini risk factor and contributes significantly to the overall VTE risk score.

  5. A patient reports taking St. John's Wort herbal supplement. When should this be discontinued before elective surgery?

    Answer: At least 2 weeks before surgery

    St. John's Wort should be stopped at least 2 weeks preoperatively due to its CYP450 induction, which can alter drug metabolism and increase bleeding risk.

  6. What is the most common postoperative complication following augmentation mammaplasty?

    Answer: Capsular contracture

    Capsular contracture is the most common long-term complication after breast augmentation, affecting approximately 10–20% of patients over time.

  7. Which factor is considered a contraindication for outpatient surgery in a plastic surgery patient?

    Answer: Obstructive sleep apnea requiring CPAP

    Moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea requiring CPAP is a relative contraindication for outpatient plastic surgery due to postoperative airway risk.