AMC MCQ General Surgery Principles 3

Question 1

A patient develops a wound dehiscence on day 7 with a 'pink serosanguinous discharge' preceding it. What is the next step?

Accepted Answer

Cover with saline gauze and return to theatre for resuture

Answer

Serosanguinous discharge heralds fascial dehiscence, which requires theatre resuture after a moist sterile dressing.

Question 2

Which classification grades surgical complications by the therapy required to treat them?

Accepted Answer

Clavien-Dindo classification

Answer

The Clavien-Dindo system grades postoperative complications according to the intervention needed.

Question 3

What is the most appropriate initial fluid for resuscitating a hypovolaemic surgical patient?

Accepted Answer

Balanced crystalloid such as Hartmann's solution

Answer

Balanced crystalloids are first-line for restoring intravascular volume in hypovolaemia.

Question 4

A diabetic patient has a HbA1c of 9.5% before elective hernia repair. What is the best action?

Accepted Answer

Defer surgery to optimise glycaemic control

Answer

Poor glycaemic control raises infection and wound risk, so elective surgery should be deferred for optimisation.

Question 5

Which of these is an absolute indication for blood transfusion intraoperatively?

Accepted Answer

Symptomatic anaemia with ongoing haemorrhage and hypoxia

Answer

Transfusion is indicated for symptomatic anaemia with active bleeding and inadequate oxygen delivery.

AMC MCQ Practice Test