CSFA CSFA Hemostasis and Wound Closure

Question 1

Which electrosurgical mode uses a continuous waveform to cut tissue by rapidly heating cells until they vaporize?

Accepted Answer

Cut mode

Answer

Cut mode uses a continuous high-frequency current that rapidly vaporizes intracellular water, slicing through tissue.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of using a pledget in cardiac surgery?

Accepted Answer

To reinforce sutures in fragile tissue

Answer

Pledgets are small felt or Teflon bolsters used to reinforce sutures in friable or thin cardiac tissue to prevent tearing.

Question 3

Topical thrombin works by converting which clotting factor to its active form?

Accepted Answer

Fibrinogen

Answer

Topical thrombin directly converts fibrinogen to fibrin, forming a clot at the site of application.

Question 4

Which suture material is the first choice for closing a contaminated abdominal wound due to its resistance to infection?

Accepted Answer

Polypropylene (Prolene)

Answer

Polypropylene is monofilament and non-absorbable, resisting bacterial colonization better than braided or natural sutures in contaminated fields.

Question 5

A bone wax is used intraoperatively primarily to achieve hemostasis in which structure?

Accepted Answer

Cut bone surfaces

Answer

Bone wax is a mechanical hemostatic agent applied to cut bone edges to occlude the marrow sinusoids and stop bleeding.

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test