NCCPA Surgical Principles 3

Question 1

Which sign is MOST indicative of bowel ischemia in a postoperative patient?

Accepted Answer

Lactic acidosis with peritoneal signs

Answer

Lactic acidosis combined with peritoneal signs suggests bowel ischemia with impending necrosis requiring urgent surgical intervention.

Question 2

In a patient undergoing general anesthesia, the MOST dangerous complication of succinylcholine administration is:

Accepted Answer

Malignant hyperthermia

Answer

Succinylcholine can trigger malignant hyperthermia in susceptible individuals, causing life-threatening hypermetabolic crisis treated with dantrolene.

Question 3

The MOST appropriate management for a 2-cm incidental adrenal mass found on CT in a normotensive patient is:

Accepted Answer

Biochemical evaluation for hormone excess and follow-up imaging

Answer

Incidental adrenal masses require hormonal evaluation (cortisol, metanephrines, aldosterone) and imaging follow-up per established incidentaloma guidelines.

Question 4

Which of the following BEST describes the principle of a tension-free anastomosis?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring adequate blood supply and no tension at the anastomotic site

Answer

Adequate blood supply and absence of tension at the anastomosis are the two most critical factors preventing anastomotic leak.

Question 5

A patient presents with abdominal rigidity, free air under the diaphragm, and hemodynamic instability after blunt trauma. The NEXT step is:

Accepted Answer

Emergent exploratory laparotomy

Answer

Hemodynamic instability with peritoneal signs and free air indicates hollow viscus perforation requiring immediate operative intervention without delay for imaging.

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

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

NCCPA Surgical Principles 3