CVA - Certified Veterinary Assistant Surgical and Laboratory Assisting Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following surgical instruments is specifically designed for cutting tough, heavy tissues like fascia?

Accepted Answer

Mayo scissors

Answer

Mayo scissors are heavier and stronger than Metzenbaum scissors, making them the appropriate choice for cutting dense connective tissues such as fascia. Metzenbaum scissors are more delicate and are used for cutting fine tissues. Iris scissors are small and used for very fine, delicate procedures, like ophthalmic surgery. Lister bandage scissors have a blunted tip and are designed for cutting bandage material without injuring the skin.

Question 2

A CVA is tasked with preparing a surgical pack for sterilization in a gravity displacement autoclave. Which of the following time and temperature parameters is the recognized minimum for achieving sterility for wrapped instruments?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes at 121°C (250°F)

Answer

The recognized minimum standard for sterilizing wrapped healthcare supplies in a gravity displacement steam sterilizer (autoclave) is 30 minutes at 121°C (250°F). The other options represent incorrect time and temperature combinations for this type of sterilizer and load.

Question 3

When performing a fecal flotation using a standard salt or sugar solution, what scientific principle allows the parasite eggs to be separated from the fecal debris?

Accepted Answer

Specific Gravity

Answer

Fecal flotation works based on the principle of specific gravity. The flotation solution is denser (has a higher specific gravity) than the parasite eggs, causing the eggs to float to the surface while the heavier fecal debris sinks to the bottom.

Question 4

During a surgical procedure, the sterile-gowned surgeon asks the CVA, who is acting as a non-sterile circulator, for more sterile saline to moisten a laparotomy sponge. What is the proper procedure for the CVA to pour the saline into a sterile bowl on the instrument stand?

Accepted Answer

Remove the cap and pour the saline into the bowl without the bottle touching the sterile field.

Answer

A non-sterile person must not touch or reach over the sterile field. The correct procedure is to remove the cap and carefully pour the solution into the sterile bowl from a safe height, ensuring no part of the non-sterile bottle or the CVA's hand crosses over the sterile field. The lip of the bottle is considered contaminated once the cap is removed, so it must not touch the sterile bowl.

Question 5

A CVA is assisting with a urinalysis and is asked to measure the urine specific gravity (USG). Which instrument is the most accurate tool for this measurement in a clinical setting?

Accepted Answer

Refractometer

Answer

A refractometer is the standard and most accurate instrument for measuring urine specific gravity in a veterinary practice. While urine dipsticks have a pad for specific gravity, they are known to be inaccurate. A centrifuge is used to separate urine sediment, and a pipette is used for transferring liquid.

(CVA) Certified Veterinary Assistant Practice Test

(CVA) Certified Veterinary Assistant Practice Test

CVA - Certified Veterinary Assistant Surgical and Laboratory Assisting Questions and Answers