Practice Test GeeksCSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test
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Preoperative Patient Preparation Flashcards

7 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 7 Preoperative Patient Preparation flashcards as text

  1. When applying sequential compression devices (SCDs) preoperatively, they should be placed:

    Answer: Before induction of anesthesia to prevent DVT from the start

    SCDs should be applied before induction to provide DVT prophylaxis from the beginning of the perioperative period.

  2. A patient with a pacemaker is scheduled for electrosurgery. The surgical first assistant should ensure:

    Answer: Cardiology is consulted and pacemaker settings are evaluated preoperatively

    Pacemaker settings may need reprogramming to prevent ESU interference; cardiology consultation is mandatory preoperatively.

  3. Which preoperative skin preparation agent is contraindicated for use near the ears and eyes?

    Answer: Chlorhexidine gluconate

    Chlorhexidine is ototoxic and can cause corneal injury; it must not be used near the ears or eyes.

  4. During the preoperative phase, the surgical first assistant notes the patient has not removed her tongue ring. The most appropriate action is:

    Answer: Request the patient remove all oral jewelry to prevent airway complications

    Oral jewelry can become dislodged during intubation, risking airway obstruction or aspiration, so removal is required.

  5. What is the rationale for assessing a patient's Mallampati score preoperatively?

    Answer: To predict difficulty of endotracheal intubation

    The Mallampati classification assesses oropharyngeal visibility to predict potential difficult airway and intubation challenges.

  6. A patient with a known aspirin allergy states she took aspirin two days ago. The most relevant concern is:

    Answer: Impaired platelet function increasing intraoperative bleeding risk

    Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet function for the platelet lifespan (~7-10 days), increasing the risk of intraoperative bleeding.

  7. Which finding during a preoperative respiratory assessment would most likely cause a surgeon to delay an elective case?

    Answer: Active upper respiratory infection with productive cough and fever

    An active URI with productive cough and fever increases anesthesia and surgical risks; elective procedures are typically postponed.