CSFA Intraoperative Surgical Procedures 5

Question 1

The surgical first assistant notices a sponge count discrepancy at wound closure. The most appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Inform the surgeon immediately, halt closure, and search the wound and field before closing

Answer

A retained surgical item is a sentinel event; closure must be halted and a thorough search conducted before the wound is closed.

Question 2

During a spinal fusion procedure, the surgical first assistant is asked to apply bone wax. Its primary purpose is:

Accepted Answer

Mechanical hemostasis of bleeding cancellous bone surfaces

Answer

Bone wax physically occludes the haversian canals of cancellous bone to mechanically control bleeding from cut bony surfaces.

Question 3

During a cesarean section, the surgical first assistant assists with uterine closure. Which suture configuration is most commonly used for the uterine incision?

Accepted Answer

Two-layer closure with running absorbable suture

Answer

A two-layer running absorbable closure of the uterine incision provides secure hemostasis and reduces the risk of uterine rupture in future pregnancies.

Question 4

When a laparoscopic trocar is inadvertently placed into a major abdominal vessel, the surgical first assistant's first priority is:

Accepted Answer

Leave the trocar in place to tamponade the vessel and call for immediate open conversion assistance

Answer

Removing a trocar from a vessel removes the tamponade effect and causes uncontrolled hemorrhage; leaving it in buys time for emergency conversion.

Question 5

During orthopedic surgery, pulsatile lavage irrigation is used primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Mechanically debride and reduce bacterial counts in the surgical site

Answer

Pulsatile lavage uses pressurized fluid to mechanically dislodge debris, necrotic tissue, and bacteria from the wound.

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test

CSFA Intraoperative Surgical Procedures 5