ABSA Exam Questions & Answers 2026 | High-Yield Review
| Graded A+
1. What type of obstruction leads to the development of esophageal varices?
Lymphatic obstruction
Venous thrombosis
Arterial blockage
Portal hypertension
2. In a scenario where a surgical team has only access to boiling water for
sterilization, what additional measures should they take to ensure effective
sterilization?
Limit the use of boiling water to 5 minutes.
Use additional chemical disinfectants or ensure prolonged exposure
time.
Use boiling water only for non-critical items.
Rely solely on boiling water for all instruments.
3. An ulcer in the lower portion of the anal canal is called:
Anal abscesss
Anal polyp
Haemorrhoids
Anal fistula
Anal fissure
,4. Describe the limitations of using boiling water as a sterilizing agent in surgical
settings.
Boiling water is the only method needed for sterilization.
Boiling water is effective for all types of surgical instruments.
Boiling water may not kill all spores and certain resistant
microorganisms.
Boiling water can be used indefinitely without losing effectiveness.
5. In a surgical procedure, if a suture with low tensile strength is used on a high-
tension wound, what could be the potential consequence?
Infection
Excessive scarring
Improper healing
Wound dehiscence
6. Techniques commonly used for perioperative blood conservation during
cardiac surgery include all of the following EXCEPT:
Red blood cell scavenging
Perioperative administration of antifibrinolytic agents
Intraoperative autologous hemodilution
Return of platelets via the blood-salvaging device
Use of membrane oxygenators
7. In a scenario where a patient presents with massive rectal prolapse but is
stable and asymptomatic, what would be the most appropriate course of
action?
, Initiate emergency intervention
Schedule for elective surgery
Discharge with no follow-up
Perform immediate surgery
8. ____ and ____ are the two main causes of intestinal obstruction.
Mechanical, acute
Functional, acute
Acute, severe
Mechanical, functional
9. Which of the following statements is false?
Sterile items can only touch other sterile items
Non-scrubbed personnel can touch only non-sterile items
If the sterility of an item is in doubt, consider it contaminated
Non-sterile items can be placed on the tray where the surgery pack
has been opened
10. What is the primary goal of sterile technique in the operating room?
To improve patient comfort
To prevent infections
To reduce anesthesia risks
To enhance surgical precision
11. If a patient undergoes a surgical procedure that results in the removal of their
parathyroid glands, what immediate postoperative care should be prioritized
, to monitor for complications?
Increasing dietary calcium intake
Performing routine blood pressure checks
Monitoring calcium levels
Administering thyroid hormones
12. Acromegaly is a condition resulting from the over-secretion of
parathyroid hormones.
the growth hormone
thyroid hormones.
thymus gland hormones.
adrenal cortex hormones.
13. Radical mastectomy for cancer involves removal of portion of the ___
muscles.
intercostal
pectoralis major and minor
rectus
serratus anterior
14. Whenever there is any question of sterility, the item in question is
considered:
Contaminated
Questionable but okay to use
None of these choices is correct.
| Graded A+
1. What type of obstruction leads to the development of esophageal varices?
Lymphatic obstruction
Venous thrombosis
Arterial blockage
Portal hypertension
2. In a scenario where a surgical team has only access to boiling water for
sterilization, what additional measures should they take to ensure effective
sterilization?
Limit the use of boiling water to 5 minutes.
Use additional chemical disinfectants or ensure prolonged exposure
time.
Use boiling water only for non-critical items.
Rely solely on boiling water for all instruments.
3. An ulcer in the lower portion of the anal canal is called:
Anal abscesss
Anal polyp
Haemorrhoids
Anal fistula
Anal fissure
,4. Describe the limitations of using boiling water as a sterilizing agent in surgical
settings.
Boiling water is the only method needed for sterilization.
Boiling water is effective for all types of surgical instruments.
Boiling water may not kill all spores and certain resistant
microorganisms.
Boiling water can be used indefinitely without losing effectiveness.
5. In a surgical procedure, if a suture with low tensile strength is used on a high-
tension wound, what could be the potential consequence?
Infection
Excessive scarring
Improper healing
Wound dehiscence
6. Techniques commonly used for perioperative blood conservation during
cardiac surgery include all of the following EXCEPT:
Red blood cell scavenging
Perioperative administration of antifibrinolytic agents
Intraoperative autologous hemodilution
Return of platelets via the blood-salvaging device
Use of membrane oxygenators
7. In a scenario where a patient presents with massive rectal prolapse but is
stable and asymptomatic, what would be the most appropriate course of
action?
, Initiate emergency intervention
Schedule for elective surgery
Discharge with no follow-up
Perform immediate surgery
8. ____ and ____ are the two main causes of intestinal obstruction.
Mechanical, acute
Functional, acute
Acute, severe
Mechanical, functional
9. Which of the following statements is false?
Sterile items can only touch other sterile items
Non-scrubbed personnel can touch only non-sterile items
If the sterility of an item is in doubt, consider it contaminated
Non-sterile items can be placed on the tray where the surgery pack
has been opened
10. What is the primary goal of sterile technique in the operating room?
To improve patient comfort
To prevent infections
To reduce anesthesia risks
To enhance surgical precision
11. If a patient undergoes a surgical procedure that results in the removal of their
parathyroid glands, what immediate postoperative care should be prioritized
, to monitor for complications?
Increasing dietary calcium intake
Performing routine blood pressure checks
Monitoring calcium levels
Administering thyroid hormones
12. Acromegaly is a condition resulting from the over-secretion of
parathyroid hormones.
the growth hormone
thyroid hormones.
thymus gland hormones.
adrenal cortex hormones.
13. Radical mastectomy for cancer involves removal of portion of the ___
muscles.
intercostal
pectoralis major and minor
rectus
serratus anterior
14. Whenever there is any question of sterility, the item in question is
considered:
Contaminated
Questionable but okay to use
None of these choices is correct.
