CSFA Preoperative Patient Preparation 2

Question 1

Which consent principle requires that a patient be informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to surgery?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Informed consent requires disclosure of risks, benefits, and alternatives so the patient can make a voluntary, educated decision.

Question 2

A patient taking warfarin is scheduled for elective surgery. What is the most critical preoperative concern?

Accepted Answer

Risk of uncontrolled bleeding

Answer

Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases bleeding risk, requiring careful bridging or reversal protocols before surgery.

Question 3

The NPO (nil per os) guideline for clear liquids before elective surgery in adults is typically:

Accepted Answer

2 hours

Answer

ASA guidelines recommend NPO for clear liquids at least 2 hours before elective procedures to reduce aspiration risk.

Question 4

Which preoperative lab value most directly assesses renal function before administering contrast dye?

Accepted Answer

Serum creatinine

Answer

Serum creatinine reflects glomerular filtration rate and is used to evaluate renal function before nephrotoxic contrast agents.

Question 5

A patient reports a latex allergy during preoperative assessment. The FIRST action by the surgical first assistant should be:

Accepted Answer

Document and alert the entire surgical team to prepare a latex-free environment

Answer

Documenting and alerting the team allows preparation of a latex-free environment, the standard protocol for latex-allergic patients.

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test