Surgical Assistant Certification Exam ABSA
AMERICAN BOARD OF SURGICAL ASSISTANT
ACTUAL EXAM PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS GRADED A+ 2026 updated
The surgeon asks you to first gently supinate, then gently pronate the operative wrist of a 14-
year old patient in supine position. The operative extremity is positioned at 80 degrees to the
torso. Which of the following most accurately describes the movement of the operative thumb
(which direction it points) as you carry out the instructions? - Correct Answers Thumb inferior,
then back to superior
With patient in the prone position, the dorsal roots of the spinal nerves are oriented: - Correct
Answers Superficial to its corresponding ventral roots
A choledoco-duodenostomy refers to the surgical anastomosis of which of the following two
structures: - Correct Answers Duodenum and common bile duct
In knee arthroscopy, the antero-medial portal is placed: - Correct Answers Proximal and anterior
to the pet anserinus, medial to the patellar ligament.
Epidural anesthesia is administered: - Correct Answers Into the space between the spinal canal
and the dura mater covering the nerve roots.
The connective tissue between the patella and the tibial tuberosity in the knee facilitates
quadriceps muscle contraction across the knee joint. What is the structure? - Correct Answers
Patellar Ligament
The talus forms an articulation with which of the following lists of bones: - Correct Answers
Calcaneus, navicular, tibia, and calcaneus
, The acetabulum, or hip socket, is comprised of the fusion of which of the three bone chokes
below? - Correct Answers Pubis, ischium, and ilium
The superior mesenteric artery provides primary blood supply for which of the following
structures: - Correct Answers Pancreas
The uterine artery is a most commonly a direct branch of the: - Correct Answers Internal iliac
artery
After what percent of total blood volume may arterial pressure AND cardiac output begin to
significantly (and precipitously) drop? - Correct Answers More than about 10%
Putting a patient into Trendelenberg position has the effect of: - Correct Answers Increasing
blood flow to the brain
A history of crushing would to the chest, a patient exhibits the following symptoms: low blood
pressure; chest pain radiating to the neck, shoulders, and back; trouble taking deep breaths and
rapid shallow breathing. Which of the following cardio-pulmonary conditions may be
responsible and require urgent surgery? - Correct Answers Cardiac Tamponade
Which of the following may be a cause of acute cyanosis in a patient undergoing a surgical
procedure: - Correct Answers Lower than normal hemoglobin
Direct inadvertent stimulation of the Vagus nerve during carotid endarterectomy may have
which of the following transient affects: - Correct Answers Bradycardia
A "foot drop" results from insufficiency of the extensor muscles in the foot, and may be caused
by lumbar disc herniation (damage to a nerve root in the lumbar spine), or damage
to/compression of the _______ nerve as it courses superficial to the fibular head. - Correct
Answers Peroneal
AMERICAN BOARD OF SURGICAL ASSISTANT
ACTUAL EXAM PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS GRADED A+ 2026 updated
The surgeon asks you to first gently supinate, then gently pronate the operative wrist of a 14-
year old patient in supine position. The operative extremity is positioned at 80 degrees to the
torso. Which of the following most accurately describes the movement of the operative thumb
(which direction it points) as you carry out the instructions? - Correct Answers Thumb inferior,
then back to superior
With patient in the prone position, the dorsal roots of the spinal nerves are oriented: - Correct
Answers Superficial to its corresponding ventral roots
A choledoco-duodenostomy refers to the surgical anastomosis of which of the following two
structures: - Correct Answers Duodenum and common bile duct
In knee arthroscopy, the antero-medial portal is placed: - Correct Answers Proximal and anterior
to the pet anserinus, medial to the patellar ligament.
Epidural anesthesia is administered: - Correct Answers Into the space between the spinal canal
and the dura mater covering the nerve roots.
The connective tissue between the patella and the tibial tuberosity in the knee facilitates
quadriceps muscle contraction across the knee joint. What is the structure? - Correct Answers
Patellar Ligament
The talus forms an articulation with which of the following lists of bones: - Correct Answers
Calcaneus, navicular, tibia, and calcaneus
, The acetabulum, or hip socket, is comprised of the fusion of which of the three bone chokes
below? - Correct Answers Pubis, ischium, and ilium
The superior mesenteric artery provides primary blood supply for which of the following
structures: - Correct Answers Pancreas
The uterine artery is a most commonly a direct branch of the: - Correct Answers Internal iliac
artery
After what percent of total blood volume may arterial pressure AND cardiac output begin to
significantly (and precipitously) drop? - Correct Answers More than about 10%
Putting a patient into Trendelenberg position has the effect of: - Correct Answers Increasing
blood flow to the brain
A history of crushing would to the chest, a patient exhibits the following symptoms: low blood
pressure; chest pain radiating to the neck, shoulders, and back; trouble taking deep breaths and
rapid shallow breathing. Which of the following cardio-pulmonary conditions may be
responsible and require urgent surgery? - Correct Answers Cardiac Tamponade
Which of the following may be a cause of acute cyanosis in a patient undergoing a surgical
procedure: - Correct Answers Lower than normal hemoglobin
Direct inadvertent stimulation of the Vagus nerve during carotid endarterectomy may have
which of the following transient affects: - Correct Answers Bradycardia
A "foot drop" results from insufficiency of the extensor muscles in the foot, and may be caused
by lumbar disc herniation (damage to a nerve root in the lumbar spine), or damage
to/compression of the _______ nerve as it courses superficial to the fibular head. - Correct
Answers Peroneal
