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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 criterion is part of the STOP-BANG questionnaire used preoperatively to screen for obstructive sleep apnea?

    Answer: Neck circumference >40 cm

    Neck circumference >40 cm is one of the eight STOP-BANG criteria used to identify patients at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea.

  2. What is the recommended minimum preoperative fasting time for clear liquids before elective plastic surgery under general anesthesia per ASA guidelines?

    Answer: 2 hours

    ASA guidelines recommend a minimum fasting period of 2 hours for clear liquids prior to elective procedures under general or regional anesthesia.

  3. A postoperative breast augmentation patient reports sudden onset of asymmetric swelling, pain, and erythema 2 years after surgery. The most important diagnosis to exclude is:

    Answer: Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)

    BIA-ALCL must be excluded in any patient with late-onset periprosthetic effusion, as it is a rare but serious T-cell lymphoma associated with textured implants.

  4. In a patient with sickle cell trait undergoing elective rhinoplasty, which preoperative precaution is most critical?

    Answer: Ensuring adequate oxygenation and hydration

    Adequate oxygenation, hydration, and normothermia are critical to prevent sickling crises in patients with sickle cell trait during perioperative care.

  5. Which postoperative instruction is most important after blepharoplasty to prevent corneal damage?

    Answer: Use lubricating eye drops and avoid dry environments

    Lubricating eye drops protect the cornea from exposure keratitis, which can occur if lagophthalmos (incomplete eye closure) is present postoperatively.

  6. When performing a risk-benefit discussion for an obese patient requesting panniculectomy, which complication should receive the most emphasis?

    Answer: Wound healing complications and infection

    Obese patients undergoing panniculectomy have significantly elevated rates of wound dehiscence, infection, and poor healing due to tissue tension and ischemia.

  7. A patient is taking metformin for type 2 diabetes before elective breast reconstruction with TRAM flap. What is the appropriate perioperative management of metformin?

    Answer: Hold metformin 24–48 hours before surgery due to lactic acidosis risk

    Metformin should be held 24–48 hours before surgery because contrast media, decreased renal perfusion, or hypoxia can increase lactic acidosis risk.