NBSTSA CSFA Exam /Certified Surgical First Assistant (Csfa) |
Complete Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Explanations – Latest Update 2026
Question 1
The primary role of a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) during surgery
is to:
A. Assist the surgeon by providing exposure, hemostasis, and technical
support
B. Independently perform the entire surgical procedure
C. Diagnose the patient’s condition
D. Replace the circulating nurse
Correct Answer: A. Assist the surgeon by providing exposure,
hemostasis, and technical support
Explanation:
A CSFA works under the direction of the surgeon to assist with operative
procedures. Responsibilities may include tissue handling, maintaining
visualization of the operative field, controlling bleeding, suturing, and
assisting with closure while remaining within scope of practice.
Question 2
The first priority of the surgical first assistant when entering the operating
room is to:
A. Maintain patient safety and follow sterile technique
B. Begin surgery immediately
C. Arrange surgical instruments independently
D. Document the entire procedure
Correct Answer: A. Maintain patient safety and follow sterile technique
1
,Explanation:
Patient safety is the highest priority in surgery. The CSFA must understand
sterile principles, surgical risks, and team communication to prevent
complications.
Question 3
The purpose of surgical hand antisepsis is to:
A. Reduce microorganisms on the hands and arms before sterile gowning and
gloving
B. Sterilize the entire operating room
C. Replace sterile gloves
D. Remove all microorganisms permanently
Correct Answer: A. Reduce microorganisms on the hands and arms
before sterile gowning and gloving
Explanation:
Surgical hand preparation reduces resident and transient microorganisms. It
decreases the risk of contaminating the sterile field during surgery.
Question 4
A sterile field is considered contaminated when:
A. A sterile item contacts a nonsterile surface
B. A sterile instrument remains on the sterile table
C. A sterile gown is properly worn
D. A sterile glove touches another sterile glove
Correct Answer: A. A sterile item contacts a nonsterile surface
Explanation:
Sterility must be maintained throughout the procedure. Any contact between
sterile and nonsterile items creates contamination and increases infection
risk.
2
,Question 5
The surgical first assistant should maintain awareness of:
A. Anatomy, surgical technique, and potential complications
B. Only the surgeon’s preference card
C. Patient billing information
D. Hospital scheduling procedures only
Correct Answer: A. Anatomy, surgical technique, and potential
complications
Explanation:
A CSFA must understand anatomy and surgical procedures to anticipate the
surgeon’s needs and respond effectively during surgery.
Question 6
The Trendelenburg position places the patient:
A. Head lower than the feet
B. Sitting upright
C. On their side with knees flexed
D. Flat with the head elevated
Correct Answer: A. Head lower than the feet
Explanation:
Trendelenburg positioning allows abdominal and pelvic organs to move away
from the surgical area. It is commonly used in gynecologic, pelvic, and
laparoscopic procedures.
Question 7
The lithotomy position is commonly used for:
3
, A. Gynecologic, urologic, and colorectal procedures
B. Shoulder surgery only
C. Brain surgery only
D. Chest trauma only
Correct Answer: A. Gynecologic, urologic, and colorectal procedures
Explanation:
Lithotomy involves placing the patient on their back with legs elevated in
stirrups. Proper positioning prevents nerve injury and pressure
complications.
Question 8
The purpose of surgical retractors is to:
A. Provide exposure of the operative site
B. Cut tissue
C. Close wounds
D. Measure blood pressure
Correct Answer: A. Provide exposure of the operative site
Explanation:
Retractors hold tissues apart, allowing the surgeon and assistant to visualize
and access the surgical area safely.
Question 9
Hemostasis refers to:
A. Control and prevention of bleeding
B. Removal of tissue
C. Closing the skin only
D. Surgical positioning
Correct Answer: A. Control and prevention of bleeding
4
Complete Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Explanations – Latest Update 2026
Question 1
The primary role of a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) during surgery
is to:
A. Assist the surgeon by providing exposure, hemostasis, and technical
support
B. Independently perform the entire surgical procedure
C. Diagnose the patient’s condition
D. Replace the circulating nurse
Correct Answer: A. Assist the surgeon by providing exposure,
hemostasis, and technical support
Explanation:
A CSFA works under the direction of the surgeon to assist with operative
procedures. Responsibilities may include tissue handling, maintaining
visualization of the operative field, controlling bleeding, suturing, and
assisting with closure while remaining within scope of practice.
Question 2
The first priority of the surgical first assistant when entering the operating
room is to:
A. Maintain patient safety and follow sterile technique
B. Begin surgery immediately
C. Arrange surgical instruments independently
D. Document the entire procedure
Correct Answer: A. Maintain patient safety and follow sterile technique
1
,Explanation:
Patient safety is the highest priority in surgery. The CSFA must understand
sterile principles, surgical risks, and team communication to prevent
complications.
Question 3
The purpose of surgical hand antisepsis is to:
A. Reduce microorganisms on the hands and arms before sterile gowning and
gloving
B. Sterilize the entire operating room
C. Replace sterile gloves
D. Remove all microorganisms permanently
Correct Answer: A. Reduce microorganisms on the hands and arms
before sterile gowning and gloving
Explanation:
Surgical hand preparation reduces resident and transient microorganisms. It
decreases the risk of contaminating the sterile field during surgery.
Question 4
A sterile field is considered contaminated when:
A. A sterile item contacts a nonsterile surface
B. A sterile instrument remains on the sterile table
C. A sterile gown is properly worn
D. A sterile glove touches another sterile glove
Correct Answer: A. A sterile item contacts a nonsterile surface
Explanation:
Sterility must be maintained throughout the procedure. Any contact between
sterile and nonsterile items creates contamination and increases infection
risk.
2
,Question 5
The surgical first assistant should maintain awareness of:
A. Anatomy, surgical technique, and potential complications
B. Only the surgeon’s preference card
C. Patient billing information
D. Hospital scheduling procedures only
Correct Answer: A. Anatomy, surgical technique, and potential
complications
Explanation:
A CSFA must understand anatomy and surgical procedures to anticipate the
surgeon’s needs and respond effectively during surgery.
Question 6
The Trendelenburg position places the patient:
A. Head lower than the feet
B. Sitting upright
C. On their side with knees flexed
D. Flat with the head elevated
Correct Answer: A. Head lower than the feet
Explanation:
Trendelenburg positioning allows abdominal and pelvic organs to move away
from the surgical area. It is commonly used in gynecologic, pelvic, and
laparoscopic procedures.
Question 7
The lithotomy position is commonly used for:
3
, A. Gynecologic, urologic, and colorectal procedures
B. Shoulder surgery only
C. Brain surgery only
D. Chest trauma only
Correct Answer: A. Gynecologic, urologic, and colorectal procedures
Explanation:
Lithotomy involves placing the patient on their back with legs elevated in
stirrups. Proper positioning prevents nerve injury and pressure
complications.
Question 8
The purpose of surgical retractors is to:
A. Provide exposure of the operative site
B. Cut tissue
C. Close wounds
D. Measure blood pressure
Correct Answer: A. Provide exposure of the operative site
Explanation:
Retractors hold tissues apart, allowing the surgeon and assistant to visualize
and access the surgical area safely.
Question 9
Hemostasis refers to:
A. Control and prevention of bleeding
B. Removal of tissue
C. Closing the skin only
D. Surgical positioning
Correct Answer: A. Control and prevention of bleeding
4
