NBSTSA General Surgery 3

Question 1

During a thyroidectomy, which nerve must be identified and preserved to prevent hoarseness?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent laryngeal nerve

Answer

The recurrent laryngeal nerve innervates the intrinsic muscles of the larynx; injury causes hoarseness or voice loss.

Question 2

What is the correct sequence of steps when performing a stapled end-to-end anastomosis using a circular stapler?

Accepted Answer

Insert anvil distally, connect to stapler body proximally, approximate, fire, inspect donuts

Answer

The anvil is placed in the distal bowel end, the stapler body is introduced proximally, both ends are approximated and fired, then the tissue donuts are inspected for completeness.

Question 3

Which anatomical structure forms the medial border of Hesselbach's triangle?

Accepted Answer

Lateral border of rectus abdominis

Answer

Hesselbach's triangle is bounded medially by the lateral edge of the rectus abdominis, inferiorly by the inguinal ligament, and laterally by the inferior epigastric vessels.

Question 4

A scrub technologist notices the electrosurgical unit is producing minimal effect at the current setting during bowel surgery. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The active electrode tip has eschar buildup

Answer

Eschar buildup on the active electrode tip increases impedance and reduces effective energy delivery; the tip should be cleaned regularly.

Question 5

During a Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), which structure is NOT routinely resected?

Accepted Answer

Body of the pancreas

Answer

The standard Whipple procedure removes the pancreatic head, duodenum, distal CBD, gallbladder, and part of the stomach, preserving the pancreatic body and tail.

NBSTSA - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Practice Test

NBSTSA - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Practice Test

NBSTSA General Surgery 3