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

Limiting arm abduction to no more than 90 degrees and keeping the arm board at or below shoulder level prevents stretching and injury to the brachial plexus.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

30–45 degrees

Answer

The semi-Fowler position elevates the head of the bed to approximately 30–45 degrees and is used for head, neck, and some upper chest procedures.

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 prep solution must be fully dry before draping to prevent pooling under drapes that can cause fire or chemical burns from electrosurgery, and the site must be confirmed for correct-site surgery.

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

Raising and lowering both legs simultaneously prevents rotational twisting forces on the lumbosacral spine and sacroiliac joints that can cause serious injury.

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

Prepping a wide area beyond the planned incision provides a margin of sterility in case the incision must be extended or additional access sites are needed unexpectedly.

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test

CSFA Surgical Positioning and Draping 3