Tissue Retraction & Exposure 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 Tissue Retraction & Exposure flashcards as text
Which anatomical consideration is most critical when retracting the ureter during retroperitoneal dissection?
Answer: Maintaining its blood supply along the medial border
The ureter's blood supply runs longitudinally along its medial border, and disrupting this supply during retraction can lead to ureteral ischemia and necrosis.
During thyroid surgery, the surgeon asks the first assistant to retract the strap muscles. The assistant should avoid excessive lateral traction primarily because:
Answer: It risks stretching or injuring the recurrent laryngeal nerve
The recurrent laryngeal nerve runs in the tracheoesophageal groove, and aggressive lateral retraction of strap muscles can stretch or avulse it.
A patient develops compartment syndrome postoperatively in a limb that was held in a retracted position. This complication is most commonly related to:
Answer: Prolonged limb positioning with neurovascular compression during retraction
Sustained retraction compressing neurovascular structures, combined with prolonged limb positioning, is a recognized cause of postoperative compartment syndrome.
The first assistant is tasked with retracting peritoneum during laparoscopic conversion to open. To avoid peritoneal tearing, the assistant should:
Answer: Apply blunt instruments with broad, even contact
Blunt instruments with broad contact distribute force evenly, reducing the risk of peritoneal tears during retraction.
When assisting with a lumbar spinal procedure, the first assistant retracts the paraspinal muscles. Retractor blades placed too deeply may injure which structure?
Answer: Nerve roots exiting the neural foramina
Retractor blades placed too deeply in lumbar procedures can compress or lacerate exiting nerve roots in the neural foramina.
Which technique best prevents skin edge necrosis when using wound retractors during a lengthy procedure?
Answer: Periodically releasing and repositioning retractors to restore perfusion
Periodically releasing retractors allows reperfusion of compressed skin edges, reducing the risk of ischemia-induced necrosis.
In a hepatobiliary procedure, a Harrington (sweetheart) retractor is used primarily to:
Answer: Elevate and protect the liver while retracting the costal margin
The Harrington sweetheart retractor's curved blade is designed to elevate and stabilize the liver while protecting it from direct pressure injury.