Explanation:
Epidural hematoma is most likely given the history of a head injury, loss of consciousness, lucidity, and subsequent decompensation. The middle meningeal artery is the vessel that is most frequently implicated in epidural hematomas, and hematoma evacuation is recommended. Because the blood lies between the dura and the skull, a biconvex-shaped hemorrhage is frequently seen on imaging. A deadly epidural hemorrhage can occur in up to 20% of cases. On imaging, subdural hematomas have a crescent-shaped appearance and hardly ever feature the typical epidural "lucid period." Instead, they experience agony and bewilderment that worsen with time. Bleeds from subdural hematomas are caused by the bridging veins. Practice with the free General Surgery Board Review practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
Explanation:
The MAC is the lowest amount of anesthetic vapor required to inhibit a physical response in 50% of patients to a common surgical stimulus. Less fat soluble, less powerful, yet faster onset with higher MAC. (xanax) More lipid soluble, more powerful, but longer onset, when MAC is lower. This little story, which goes, "When MAC is LOW he is FAT and SLOW," is a helpful method to memorize it. Typical MAC values include: 104 Nitrous oxide * Halothane - 0.75 * Chloroform - 0.5 * Methoxyflurane - 0.16 * Xenon - 72 * Desflurane - 6 * Ethyl Ether - 3.2 * Sevoflurane - 2 * Enflurane - 1.7 * Isoflurane - 1.2 *
Explanation:
Keep the tube suctioned while gauging the output. Hemothorax typically results in diminished ipsilateral breath sounds and muted percussion on that side. The pleural cavity of a typical adult male can retain 4 or more liters of blood, therefore exsanguination can happen even in the absence of any other outward signs of bleeding. The instantaneous return of 1500 ml would have been a sign of OR. Indications for exploratory surgery include bleeding with instability after all other causes of bleeding have been ruled out, output >250 mL/hour x 4 hours, or 2500 mL/24 hours.
Explanation:
The head of the pancreas hosts around one-third of the pancreatic pseudocysts, while the tail hosts two-thirds of them. The most frequent causes in adults are alcohol and gallstone pancreatitis, whereas the most frequent cause in children is trauma .
Explanation:
This is a Zenker’s diverticulum. All of the options listed are possible life-threatening complications, but the most common is aspiration.
Explanation:
RQ=CO2/O2 By producing an overabundance of calories and carbs to be turned into fat, overfeeding might result in patients needing artificial breathing and intubation for a longer period of time. A RQ>1.0 would arise from this. This process results in an increase in CO2 generation, which must be offset by an increase in the patient's respiratory effort. As a result, the respiratory system might become so worn out that weaning becomes challenging or even impossible. Since oxygen consumption rises while the body is turning stored energy into sugar, starvation would result in an RQ 0.7. (breaking down glycogen, adipose tissues).
Explanation:
The patient has burned 27% of her body (9% for arms, 9% for upper back , and 9% for lower back). Use the Parkland Formula (MEMORIZE THIS!!): 4mL x Weight in kg x % burned Replace fluid 4ml/kg x kg of pt x %burned, replace half over first 8 hours and the rest over the next 16. This should be calculated from time burned, not time of admission.
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Facts verified Oct 22, 2026 against American Board of Surgery. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Facts verified Oct 22, 2026 against American Board of Surgery. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions (Qualifying Exam (GSQE)) | About 300 multiple-choice questions | American Board of Surgery |
| Passing score (Certifying Exam (GSCE)) | No preset pass rate; aggregate of 6 examiners | American Board of Surgery |
| Exam fee (Certifying Exam (GSCE)) | $1,550 exam fee | American Board of Surgery |
| Exam fee (QE/CE Admission Exam) | $550 application fee (exam fee TBD) | American Board of Surgery |
| Retake policy (Certifying Exam (GSCE)) | Up to 3 attempts in 3 years | American Board of Surgery |
| Retake policy (Qualifying Exam (GSQE)) | Up to 4 attempts in 4 years; once per year | American Board of Surgery |
| Validity | 7 academic years after residency to certify | American Board of Surgery |
| Renewal | Assessment every 2 years; $285 annual fee | American Board of Surgery |
| Delivery (Certifying Exam (GSCE)) | Virtual oral exam | American Board of Surgery |
| Delivery (Qualifying Exam (GSQE)) | Pearson VUE testing centers | pearsonvue.com |
| Eligibility (Certifying Exam (GSCE)) | Pass GSQE + full unrestricted U.S./Canadian license | American Board of Surgery |
| Eligibility (Qualifying Exam (GSQE)) | Completed ACGME/RCPSC general surgery residency | American Board of Surgery |
| Score release (Certifying Exam (GSCE)) | Within 10 business days | American Board of Surgery |
| Score release (Qualifying Exam (GSQE)) | About 4–6 weeks after the exam | American Board of Surgery |
Facts verified Oct 22, 2026 against American Board of Surgery. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Interactive General Surgery Board Review resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
Prepare for the General Surgery Board Review exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Try these questions from our free General Surgery Board Review practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
CMS Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for hospitals require that surgical patients receive a pre-operative assessment documented by:
Answer: A. A licensed practitioner within 30 days before surgery, updated within 24 hours pre-operatively
CMS CoPs require a history and physical completed within 30 days prior to surgery, with an update performed within 24 hours before the procedure.
A Richter hernia is defined as herniation of which portion of the bowel?
Answer: B. The antimesenteric wall only
A Richter hernia involves only the antimesenteric portion of the bowel wall, so obstruction may be absent despite strangulation.
The Health Care Quality Improvement Act (HCQIA) provides peer review immunity to hospitals when conducting professional review actions, provided the action is taken:
Answer: A. In the reasonable belief it furthers quality health care, with adequate notice and hearing procedures
HCQIA grants immunity for professional review actions that meet four criteria: reasonable belief the action furthers quality care, reasonable effort to obtain facts, adequate notice and hearing, and reasonable belief the action was warranted.
The most common primary site of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is:
Answer: C. Stomach
Approximately 60% of GISTs arise in the stomach; they originate from the interstitial cells of Cajal and are driven by KIT (CD117) or PDGFRA mutations.
The General Surgery Qualifying Exam (QE), which is the written part of the boards, consists of approximately 300 multiple-choice questions. It is administered in a single day over about eight hours, broken into several timed sections. Candidates preparing for the 2026 exam should focus on building the stamina required to maintain focus throughout this extensive test.
Yes, the General Surgery Board Exam is notoriously challenging, designed to test the comprehensive knowledge and clinical judgment of a surgeon. Pass rates for first-time takers of the Qualifying Exam typically range from 85-90%. Success requires a dedicated, long-term study plan. Using practice questions is crucial for preparing for the difficulty level of the 2026 exam.
To pass on your first attempt, start preparing early and use a multi-faceted approach. Combine a comprehensive question bank, like our free practice test, with a standard textbook (e.g., Cameron or Sabiston) and a review course. Consistently taking timed mock exams is key to mastering pacing and content. This structured preparation is the best strategy for passing the 2026 boards.
The fee for the General Surgery Qualifying Exam (QE) is set by the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and can change annually. As of recent years, the fee has been approximately $1,900. It is essential to check the official ABS website for the exact registration fee for the 2026 exam cycle, as this figure is subject to change.
You've found one right here! PracticeTestGeeks.com offers a high-quality, FREE General Surgery Board Review practice test with detailed questions and answers. Our online platform is designed to simulate the actual exam experience, helping you prepare effectively for your 2026 certification. It's an excellent tool for assessing your knowledge and identifying areas that require further study without any cost.