FREE Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) Postoperative Patient Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), 30 minutes after a major abdominal surgery under general anesthesia, develops severe muscle rigidity, tachycardia, hyperthermia (104°F / 40°C), and a rapidly increasing end-tidal CO2.
What is the most likely diagnosis that requires immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Malignant Hyperthermia (MH)

Answer

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Answer

Thyroid Storm

Answer

Sepsis

Question 2

Which of the following terms describes the complete separation of all layers of a surgical wound with the protrusion of internal organs?

Accepted Answer

Evisceration

Answer

Dehiscence

Answer

Hematoma

Answer

Fistula

Question 3

A CSFA is rounding on a postoperative patient with a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain. The nurse notes that the drain, which had been producing 40 mL of fluid per shift, has produced less than 5 mL in the last 4 hours, and the patient reports increased pain and swelling at the surgical site. What is the most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Inspect the drain tubing for kinks or clots.

Answer

Administer an additional dose of pain medication.

Answer

Remove the drain, as output is minimal.

Answer

Document the finding and reassess in 4 hours.

Question 4

What is the most common pulmonary complication experienced by patients within the first 48 hours following major abdominal or thoracic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Atelectasis

Answer

Pulmonary Embolism

Answer

Pneumonia

Answer

Pneumothorax

Question 5

A 68-year-old patient is on postoperative day 1 after a total hip arthroplasty. The patient is receiving prophylactic anticoagulants. In addition to medication, which of the following interventions is most crucial for the CSFA to encourage to help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Accepted Answer

Early and frequent ambulation as tolerated.

Answer

Maintaining strict bed rest with legs elevated.

Answer

Limiting fluid intake to reduce peripheral edema.

Answer

Application of continuous cold therapy to the operative leg.

Question 6

A patient on postoperative day 3 following a colectomy has a distended abdomen, has not passed flatus, and reports nausea with no bowel sounds audible upon auscultation. These findings are most indicative of which postoperative complication?

Accepted Answer

Postoperative ileus

Answer

Anastomotic leak

Answer

Mechanical small bowel obstruction

Answer

Acute pancreatitis