ABPS Preoperative Assessment & Postoperative Care 3

Question 1

When counseling a patient preoperatively for breast reduction, which symptom assessment is most important for insurance authorization?

Accepted Answer

Neck and back pain documentation

Answer

Documentation of symptomatic neck and back pain, along with conservative treatment failures, is typically required by insurers for coverage of reduction mammaplasty.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a preoperative marking session in rhinoplasty?

Accepted Answer

Identifying anatomical landmarks and planning the surgical approach

Answer

Preoperative markings define anatomical landmarks, plan osteotomy sites, and guide the surgical technique specific to each patient's nasal anatomy.

Question 3

A patient on chronic SSRI therapy undergoes elective rhinoplasty. The most important perioperative concern related to SSRIs is:

Accepted Answer

Impaired platelet aggregation and increased bleeding risk

Answer

SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake in platelets, reducing platelet aggregation and increasing intraoperative and postoperative bleeding risk.

Question 4

Which patient characteristic most strongly predicts poor wound healing following plastic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Active tobacco smoking

Answer

Active smoking causes vasoconstriction and tissue hypoxia, significantly impairing wound healing and increasing risk of flap necrosis and dehiscence.

Question 5

Postoperative fever on day 1 after a major plastic surgery procedure is most likely caused by:

Accepted Answer

Atelectasis

Answer

Atelectasis is the most common cause of fever in the first 24–48 hours postoperatively due to shallow breathing and mucus plugging after general anesthesia.

(ABPS) Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery Practice Test

(ABPS) Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery Practice Test

ABPS Preoperative Assessment & Postoperative Care 3