NCCPA Surgical Principles 2

Question 1

Which suture material is MOST appropriate for closing a contaminated abdominal wound?

Accepted Answer

Polypropylene (Prolene)

Answer

Polypropylene is a monofilament, nonabsorbable suture that resists infection better than braided materials in contaminated fields.

Question 2

A patient develops a fever on postoperative day 1-2. The MOST likely cause is:

Accepted Answer

Wind (atelectasis)

Answer

Early postoperative fever (days 1-2) is classically attributed to atelectasis causing cytokine release.

Question 3

Which layer of the abdominal wall provides the greatest tensile strength for fascial closure?

Accepted Answer

Anterior rectus sheath (external oblique aponeurosis)

Answer

The anterior rectus sheath and external oblique aponeurosis provide the greatest tensile strength and are the critical layers for secure fascial closure.

Question 4

Damage control surgery is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

Staged surgery prioritizing hemorrhage control and contamination prevention over definitive repair

Answer

Damage control surgery involves abbreviated initial surgery to control hemorrhage and contamination, followed by ICU resuscitation and planned return to the OR for definitive repair.

Question 5

Which electrolyte abnormality is MOST commonly associated with massive blood transfusion?

Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia

Answer

Citrate used as a preservative in packed red blood cells chelates ionized calcium, causing hypocalcemia during massive transfusion.

(NCCPA) National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Practice Test

(NCCPA) National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Practice Test

NCCPA Surgical Principles 2