CSFA Surgical Positioning and Draping 3

Question 1

To prevent brachial plexus injury in the supine position, the surgical first assistant should ensure:

Accepted Answer

The arm board is at or below shoulder level and arm abduction does not exceed 90 degrees

Answer

The arm is hyperextended at the elbow

Answer

The arm is tucked tightly against the patient's side without padding

Answer

The arm is raised above the patient's head for the entire procedure

Question 2

The semi-Fowler position elevates the head of the bed to approximately:

Accepted Answer

30–45 degrees

Answer

10–15 degrees

Answer

60–90 degrees

Answer

0 degrees (flat)

Question 3

Before applying surgical drapes, what must the surgical team verify?

Accepted Answer

The skin prep solution is dry and the correct operative site is confirmed

Answer

The patient is fully paralyzed and sedated

Answer

All monitoring electrodes have been removed from the body

Answer

Room temperature is set to maximum to prevent hypothermia

Question 4

In the lithotomy position, both legs must be raised and lowered simultaneously primarily to prevent:

Accepted Answer

Pelvic instability and lumbosacral spine injury

Answer

Hypothermia from limb exposure

Answer

Wound contamination from movement

Answer

Pressure on the femoral nerve only

Question 5

The surgical skin preparation (prep) area should extend well beyond the anticipated incision site in order to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a sterile margin if incision boundaries need to change during surgery

Answer

Allow easy placement of electrosurgical return electrode pads

Answer

Improve visualization of all anatomical landmarks

Answer

Enable continuous skin temperature monitoring

Question 6

Regarding sterility of the draped instrument back table, which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

Only the top horizontal surface is sterile; the sides and underside are not sterile

Answer

The entire drape including the underside is considered sterile

Answer

The back table cover is semi-sterile and can be touched with non-sterile gloves

Answer

Sterility extends 12 inches below the top surface on all sides

Question 7

The prone position with arms extended forward on arm boards (resembling a flying posture) is most commonly called:

Accepted Answer

Superman (prayer) position

Answer

Modified Fowler position

Answer

Jackknife (Kraske) position

Answer

Standard prone with lateral arm boards