CSFA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CSFA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which layer of the abdominal wall is closed with a running or interrupted suture using a heavy delayed-absorbable or permanent suture for fascial strength? → Anterior rectus fascia / aponeurosis
2. Before applying surgical drapes, what must the surgical team verify? → The skin prep solution is dry and the correct operative site is confirmed
3. What is the correct needle holder technique when driving a curved needle through tissue? → Follow the arc of the needle's curvature with a pronating wrist motion
4. A surgical robot's 'EndoWrist' instruments are designed to provide what advantage over straight laparoscopic instruments? → Seven degrees of freedom with 360° articulation, mimicking open surgical hand movement
5. Which nerve is most at risk for compression injury in the lithotomy position due to prolonged hip flexion and external rotation? → Common peroneal nerve
6. Gelatin sponge (Gelfoam) achieves hemostasis primarily by which mechanism? → Providing a scaffold for platelet aggregation and clot formation
7. Which positioning device is most effective in preventing patient sliding during steep Trendelenburg position? → A vacuum bean bag or padded shoulder braces
8. Which of the following compounds helps feces travel through the large intestine more easily? → mucus
9. Regarding sterility of the draped instrument back table, which statement is correct? → Only the top horizontal surface is sterile; the sides and underside are not sterile
10. The beach chair (semi-sitting) position is most commonly used for which type of surgical procedure? → Shoulder arthroscopy and open shoulder surgery
11. Which type of retractor system uses a fixed frame attached to the operating table to maintain exposure without requiring human assistance? → Bookwalter retractor system
12. Which suture material is the first choice for closing a contaminated abdominal wound due to its resistance to infection? → Polypropylene (Prolene)
13. The upper respiratory system includes the mouth, nose, and → pharynx
14. Intraoperatively, the surgical first assistant notes persistent oozing from a parenchymal liver surface. Which topical hemostatic agent is most appropriate? → Oxidized regenerated cellulose (Surgicel)
15. In the lithotomy position, the patient's legs are placed in stirrups primarily to expose which surgical area? → Perineum and lower abdomen
16. At the larynx's entrance, a cartilage called the epiglottis . → prevents food from entering the lungs when we swallow
17. Which of the following describes the primary principle of Halsted's surgical techniques, which a CSFA must consistently apply when handling tissues? → Gentle tissue handling to minimize trauma and preserve blood supply.
18. The reverse Trendelenburg position tilts the patient so that: → The head is elevated above the feet
19. Which electrosurgical mode uses a continuous waveform to cut tissue by rapidly heating cells until they vaporize? → Cut mode
20. What is the most important goal when padding bony prominences during surgical positioning? → Preventing pressure injuries and nerve compression
21. When positioning a patient in the prone position, which combination of areas requires the most vigilant pressure injury protection? → Eyes, ears, breasts (women), genitalia (men), and bony prominences
22. During a laparoscopic case, the surgeon reports poor visualization due to fogging of the scope lens. What is the first corrective action? → Warm or apply anti-fog solution to the lens before reinsertion
23. A jejunojejunostomy may be performed when a loop of the jejunum is anastomosed end to side with the esophagus during a total gastrectomy. → prevent regurgitation esophagitis
24. Which surgical position places the patient flat on their back? → Supine
25. Among the structures most frequently implicated in a sliding left indirect hernia → sigmoid
26. The Trendelenburg position is characterized by which table tilt? → Head lowered and feet elevated
27. What arteries can be separated during a AAA resection and then reanastomosed to the graft? → renal
28. What is the primary purpose of surgical positioning? → To provide optimal access to the surgical site while protecting the patient
29. Which of the following is NOT a required element for a valid informed surgical consent? → A detailed explanation of the surgeon's experience with the procedure.
30. The prone position with arms extended forward on arm boards (resembling a flying posture) is most commonly called: → Superman (prayer) position