Surgical Principles Flashcards
7 cards from real NCCPA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Surgical Principles flashcards as text
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in a patient after major abdominal surgery?
Answer: Low-molecular-weight heparin plus sequential compression devices
Combined pharmacologic (LMWH) and mechanical (sequential compression devices) prophylaxis is the most effective VTE prevention strategy after major abdominal surgery.
A patient presents with hypotension, distended neck veins, and muffled heart sounds after a stab wound to the chest. The IMMEDIATE intervention is:
Answer: Emergent pericardiocentesis
Beck's triad (hypotension, distended neck veins, muffled heart sounds) indicates cardiac tamponade, requiring emergent pericardiocentesis or pericardial window.
The 'open abdomen' technique is indicated in which of the following scenarios?
Answer: Damage control laparotomy with abdominal compartment syndrome risk
The open abdomen is used after damage control surgery when abdominal compartment syndrome is anticipated, allowing deferred fascial closure after resuscitation.
Which of the following hernias carries the HIGHEST risk of strangulation?
Answer: Femoral hernia
Femoral hernias have the highest strangulation rate due to the narrow, rigid femoral ring that tightly constricts herniated contents.
When performing a splenectomy, which structure MUST be identified and preserved to prevent postoperative complications?
Answer: Tail of the pancreas
The tail of the pancreas lies in close proximity to the splenic hilum; inadvertent injury leads to pancreatic fistula or pseudocyst formation.
Correct patient positioning to PREVENT brachial plexus injury during surgery includes:
Answer: Keeping the arm at less than 90 degrees of abduction with neutral rotation
Limiting arm abduction to less than 90 degrees with neutral rotation prevents stretch injury to the brachial plexus during prolonged surgical positioning.
Which of the following BEST describes the physiologic response in the early ebb phase of surgical stress response?
Answer: Decreased metabolic rate, reduced cardiac output, and hypothermia
The early ebb phase immediately after major trauma or surgery is characterized by decreased metabolic rate, reduced cardiac output, and hypothermia as the body conserves energy.