FREE DVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Surgical Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following suture materials is an absorbable, monofilament, synthetic material known for its minimal tissue reactivity and predictable tensile strength retention, making it suitable for internal soft tissue closure?

Accepted Answer

Polydioxanone (PDS II)

Answer

Polypropylene (Prolene)

Answer

Silk

Answer

Chromic Gut

Question 2

A 4-year-old male neutered Domestic Shorthair cat is undergoing an exploratory laparotomy. During the procedure, the surgeon accidentally incises the intestine, resulting in leakage of intestinal contents. Which category of wound contamination best describes this situation?

Accepted Answer

Contaminated

Answer

Clean-contaminated

Answer

Dirty/Infected

Answer

Clean

Question 3

Regarding the principles of surgical hemostasis, which method is generally preferred for controlling bleeding from small vessels in contaminated or infected surgical fields?

Accepted Answer

Ligation with absorbable suture

Answer

Electrocautery (monopolar)

Answer

Topical hemostatic agents (e.g., gelatin sponge)

Answer

Pressure with a sterile gauze sponge

Question 4

Which of the following is considered the most critical factor in preventing surgical site infections (SSIs)?

Accepted Answer

Strict adherence to aseptic technique throughout the surgical procedure

Answer

Pre-operative antibiotic administration for all surgical procedures

Answer

Post-operative bandage changes twice daily

Answer

Performing surgery in less than 60 minutes

Question 5

A surgeon is performing an abdominal exploratory laparotomy on a dog. To maintain tissue viability and prevent drying of exposed tissues, what is the most appropriate intra-operative practice?

Accepted Answer

Routinely irrigating tissues with warm, sterile saline or lactated Ringer's solution

Answer

Covering exposed tissues with dry gauze sponges for absorption

Answer

Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to all exposed organs

Answer

Minimizing surgical time as much as possible, regardless of technique

Question 6

When preparing a patient for surgery, what is the primary purpose of performing a wide surgical clip and a three-stage scrub of the surgical site?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the bacterial load on the skin to an acceptable level

Answer

To provide a clear visual field for the surgeon

Answer

To promote rapid wound healing post-operatively

Answer

To prevent hypothermia during surgery