First-Assist Surgical Roles Flashcards
7 cards from real CFA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 First-Assist Surgical Roles flashcards as text
What is the first assistant's role when a surgical sponge cannot be accounted for during the count?
Answer: Halt closure, alert the surgeon, and assist with systematic wound exploration
An unresolved sponge count discrepancy requires halting closure and a thorough search of the wound before proceeding.
In which situation is a running suture preferred over interrupted sutures for fascial closure?
Answer: When rapid closure of a long incision is needed in a stable patient
Running sutures allow rapid closure of long incisions and are preferred for efficiency in stable, clean cases.
A first assistant is asked to irrigate the peritoneal cavity. Which solution and method is standard?
Answer: Warm normal saline with gentle suction-irrigation to remove debris
Warm normal saline is the standard irrigant; gentle lavage removes debris and clots without damaging peritoneal tissue.
Which behavior demonstrates the first assistant applying CRM (Crew Resource Management) principles in the OR?
Answer: Speaking up assertively about a safety concern while remaining respectful
CRM principles include assertive communication of safety concerns in a respectful manner to prevent adverse outcomes.
After placing a drain intraoperatively, the first assistant should confirm:
Answer: The drain is patent, properly positioned, and secured to the skin
A properly functioning drain must be patent, positioned in the dependent collection site, and secured to prevent dislodgment.
A first assistant observes a team member contaminate a sterile instrument and then silently return it to the field. What is correct action?
Answer: Immediately and calmly announce the contamination and request the instrument be removed
Breaks in sterile technique must be announced immediately so contaminated items are removed and the field is restored.
Which correctly describes the first assistant's responsibility during the surgical timeout?
Answer: Actively participating by confirming patient identity, procedure, and site
All surgical team members, including the first assistant, must actively participate in the timeout to verify critical safety information.