CSFA Postoperative and Emergency Care 5

Question 1

Which of the following is the correct rate for adult chest compressions during CPR according to the AHA guidelines?

Accepted Answer

100-120 compressions per minute

Answer

AHA guidelines recommend high-quality CPR at a rate of 100-120 chest compressions per minute for adults to maintain adequate cardiac output.

Question 2

A postoperative patient develops sudden-onset confusion, contralateral facial droop, and arm weakness. The surgical first assistant suspects a stroke. What is the priority action?

Accepted Answer

Activate the stroke protocol and note the exact time of symptom onset

Answer

Activating the stroke team and recording exact symptom onset time are critical because eligibility for reperfusion therapy depends on the time window.

Question 3

Which type of shock is characterized by warm, flushed skin, bounding pulses, and low systemic vascular resistance in the early phase?

Accepted Answer

Distributive (septic) shock

Answer

Early distributive shock (septic) presents with vasodilation, causing warm flushed skin and bounding pulses due to decreased systemic vascular resistance.

Question 4

When assessing a postoperative surgical wound, which finding is most indicative of developing infection?

Accepted Answer

Increasing erythema, warmth, and purulent drainage on day 4

Answer

Progressive erythema, warmth, and purulent discharge after postoperative day 3-4 are classic signs of surgical site infection (SSI).

Question 5

In the immediate postoperative period, which assessment finding would MOST concern the surgical first assistant monitoring a patient after thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

Hoarseness and stridor with perioral tingling

Answer

Stridor with hoarseness and perioral tingling after thyroidectomy suggests hypocalcemia from parathyroid injury plus potential airway compromise from hematoma or nerve damage.

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test

CSFA Postoperative and Emergency Care 5