Practice Test GeeksCSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test
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CSFA Surgical Equipment and Technology Flashcards

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

Read the first 6 CSFA Surgical Equipment and Technology flashcards as text

  1. Before activating a pneumatic tourniquet, the surgical first assistant should confirm which critical parameter has been set correctly?

    Answer: Inflation pressure appropriate for the patient's systolic blood pressure and limb occlusion pressure

    Tourniquet pressure is typically set 50–100 mmHg above systolic blood pressure or based on limb occlusion pressure to ensure complete arterial occlusion without excessive tissue damage.

  2. Which laparoscopic energy device uses ultrasonic vibration to simultaneously cut and coagulate tissue?

    Answer: Harmonic scalpel (ultrasonic dissector)

    The Harmonic scalpel vibrates at 55,500 Hz, generating frictional heat that denatures proteins, sealing vessels while simultaneously cutting tissue.

  3. What is the maximum recommended safe intra-abdominal insufflation pressure during routine laparoscopic surgery in adults?

    Answer: 15 mmHg

    Standard insufflation pressure for adult laparoscopy is 12–15 mmHg; pressures above 15 mmHg impair venous return and diaphragmatic excursion.

  4. A surgical robot's 'EndoWrist' instruments are designed to provide what advantage over straight laparoscopic instruments?

    Answer: Seven degrees of freedom with 360° articulation, mimicking open surgical hand movement

    EndoWrist technology replicates the wrist's natural motion with multiple axes of movement, enabling complex dissection and suturing in confined spaces.

  5. Which gas is most commonly used for laparoscopic insufflation, and why?

    Answer: Carbon dioxide — rapidly absorbed, non-combustible, and inexpensive

    CO2 is preferred because it is non-flammable (safe with electrosurgery), rapidly absorbed by tissues if a gas embolism occurs, and cost-effective.

  6. What action should the surgical first assistant take when a smoke evacuator is not functioning during electrosurgical use?

    Answer: Pause electrosurgery and notify the team to address the evacuator before continuing, to protect all personnel from surgical plume

    Surgical smoke contains carcinogens, viable cellular material, and viral particles; OSHA guidelines require evacuation of surgical plume to protect OR personnel.