AMERICAN BOARD OF SURGICAL ASSISTANTS (ABSA) CERTIFICATION EXAM 100 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS & DETAILED RATIONALES 2026/2027 UPDATE | SA-C EXAM
PREP 100% PASS GUARANTEE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains
Perioperative Patient Care and Safety
Surgical Asepsis and Sterile Technique
Surgical Anatomy and Physiology
Operative Procedures Across Specialties
Surgical Instrumentation and Equipment
Wound Closure, Healing, and Suturing
Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Legal Standards
Emergency Situations and Crisis Management
Introduction
This comprehensive examination assesses the knowledge and clinical judgment required for the
American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Surgical Assistant – Certified (SA-C) credential. It evaluates
perioperative patient care, surgical anatomy, aseptic technique, instrumentation, and multi-specialty
procedural knowledge. Items emphasize real-world decision-making, patient safety, and professional
standards. Successful performance demonstrates readiness to practice as a certified surgical assistant
across diverse surgical settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. Before the surgical incision is made, the surgical assistant's primary responsibility is to ensure
that:
A. The operative note has already been completed.
B. The surgical site is marked and verified with the surgical team.
C. The patient has been discharged from the recovery room.
D. The anesthesia provider has left the room.
🟢 B. The surgical site is marked and verified with the surgical team.
🔴 RATIONALE: Verifying the correct surgical site with the team is a critical patient safety step to
prevent wrong-site surgery, as mandated by universal protocol.
2. Which of the following is NOT considered part of a sterile field?
A. Sterile drapes on the table.
B. The gloves of a sterile person who has folded their arms.
C. Sterile instruments on the field.
D. Sterile gown sleeves of the scrub nurse.
🟢 B. The gloves of a sterile person who has folded their arms.
🔴 RATIONALE: When a sterile person folds their arms, the gloves are considered contaminated
because they are brought close to the body and may touch non-sterile areas.
3. The presence of only one living microorganism means an object is:
A. Sterile.
B. Contaminated.
C. Surgically clean.
D. Disinfected.
,🟢 B. Contaminated.
🔴 RATIONALE: Any object that harbors even a single living microorganism is considered
contaminated. Sterility means the complete absence of all living microorganisms.
4. Which statement concerning surgical masks is NOT true?
A. Ties may be tied crisscross on top of the head.
B. Masks should cover both the mouth and nose.
C. Masks should be changed when moist.
D. Masks filter microorganisms from exhaled air.
🟢 A. Ties may be tied crisscross on top of the head.
🔴 RATIONALE: Mask ties should be tied securely at the back of the head, not crisscrossed on top of
the head. Proper tying ensures the mask fits snugly and provides adequate filtration.
5. In draping a table, the scrub nurse drapes from ___ to ___ protecting her gloves ____.
A. Front, back, by cuffing drape edge.
B. Back, front, with sterile towels.
C. Side, side, with instrument.
D. Top, bottom, with hands.
🟢 A. Front, back, by cuffing drape edge.
🔴 RATIONALE: The scrub nurse drapes from front to back, protecting gloved hands by cuffing the
drape edge over the hands to prevent contamination.
6. The purpose of the hand scrub by the surgical team is to render their skin:
A. Sterile.
B. Surgically clean.
C. Disinfected.
D. Aseptic.
🟢 B. Surgically clean.
🔴 RATIONALE: The hand scrub renders the skin "surgically clean," reducing the microbial count to a
safe level. It is impossible to sterilize living skin.
7. After steam sterilization, which items should NOT be considered sterile?
A. Suction tips attached to tubing.
B. Asepto syringes with bulbs attached.
C. Cautery tips bound with rubber bands.
D. All of the above.
🟢 D. All of the above.
🔴 RATIONALE: Items with complex configurations or that are bound together may not allow steam to
penetrate adequately, rendering them non-sterile after the cycle.
8. A 45-year-old male is undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During the procedure, the
surgeon requests a Kitner dissector. What is the primary function of this instrument in this context?
A. Sharp dissection of the cystic duct.
B. Electrocautery of the cystic artery.
C. Blunt dissection and peeling of peritoneum off the gallbladder.
D. Suturing the cystic duct stump.
🟢 C. Blunt dissection and peeling of peritoneum off the gallbladder.
🔴 RATIONALE: A Kitner dissector (peanut sponge) is used for blunt dissection, gently separating the
peritoneum and connective tissue from the gallbladder to expose Calot's triangle.
, 9. What is the primary purpose of applying a scrub suit and sterile gown in the surgical
environment?
A. To identify the surgical team members.
B. To provide a barrier against shedding skin and hair-borne bacteria.
C. To keep the surgeon warm in the cold operating room.
D. To absorb sweat from the surgical team.
🟢 B. To provide a barrier against shedding skin and hair-borne bacteria.
🔴 RATIONALE: Surgical attire minimizes the transfer of microorganisms from the surgical team's skin
and hair to the patient's surgical site, preventing surgical site infections.
10. During a total knee arthroplasty, the surgeon is preparing the femur for the prosthesis. Which
power saw blade is most appropriate for making the distal femoral cut?
A. Sagittal saw blade.
B. Reciprocating saw blade.
C. Oscillating saw blade.
D. Gigli saw blade.
🟢 C. Oscillating saw blade.
🔴 RATIONALE: An oscillating saw blade moves in a small arc, minimizing damage to soft tissues, and
is the standard tool for precise, flat cuts like the distal femoral cut in total knee arthroplasty.
11. The surgical assistant is preparing the back table for a procedure. Which of the following is a
critical step in maintaining the sterile field?
A. Placing all instruments within 6 inches of the edge of the table.
B. Keeping the sterile field dry.
C. Turning your back to the sterile field frequently to retrieve supplies.
D. Speaking directly over the sterile field.
🟢 B. Keeping the sterile field dry.
🔴 RATIONALE: A dry sterile field is essential. Moisture can wick bacteria from non-sterile surfaces
through the drape via capillary action, contaminating the field.
12. Which anatomical structure is at greatest risk during a thyroidectomy due to its proximity to the
thyroid gland?
A. Vagus nerve (CN X).
B. Recurrent laryngeal nerve.
C. Phrenic nerve.
D. Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).
🟢 B. Recurrent laryngeal nerve.
🔴 RATIONALE: The recurrent laryngeal nerve runs in the tracheoesophageal groove, directly posterior
to the thyroid gland, and is highly susceptible to injury, which can result in vocal cord paralysis.
13. A patient is experiencing a tension pneumothorax. The surgeon requests an immediate needle
decompression. Which anatomical landmark is used for this emergency procedure?
A. 5th intercostal space, anterior axillary line.
B. 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line.
C. 4th intercostal space, midaxillary line.
D. 6th intercostal space, scapular line.
🟢 B. 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line.
🔴 RATIONALE: Needle decompression for tension pneumothorax is performed at the 2nd intercostal
space in the midclavicular line on the affected side to release trapped air.
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS & DETAILED RATIONALES 2026/2027 UPDATE | SA-C EXAM
PREP 100% PASS GUARANTEE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains
Perioperative Patient Care and Safety
Surgical Asepsis and Sterile Technique
Surgical Anatomy and Physiology
Operative Procedures Across Specialties
Surgical Instrumentation and Equipment
Wound Closure, Healing, and Suturing
Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Legal Standards
Emergency Situations and Crisis Management
Introduction
This comprehensive examination assesses the knowledge and clinical judgment required for the
American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Surgical Assistant – Certified (SA-C) credential. It evaluates
perioperative patient care, surgical anatomy, aseptic technique, instrumentation, and multi-specialty
procedural knowledge. Items emphasize real-world decision-making, patient safety, and professional
standards. Successful performance demonstrates readiness to practice as a certified surgical assistant
across diverse surgical settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. Before the surgical incision is made, the surgical assistant's primary responsibility is to ensure
that:
A. The operative note has already been completed.
B. The surgical site is marked and verified with the surgical team.
C. The patient has been discharged from the recovery room.
D. The anesthesia provider has left the room.
🟢 B. The surgical site is marked and verified with the surgical team.
🔴 RATIONALE: Verifying the correct surgical site with the team is a critical patient safety step to
prevent wrong-site surgery, as mandated by universal protocol.
2. Which of the following is NOT considered part of a sterile field?
A. Sterile drapes on the table.
B. The gloves of a sterile person who has folded their arms.
C. Sterile instruments on the field.
D. Sterile gown sleeves of the scrub nurse.
🟢 B. The gloves of a sterile person who has folded their arms.
🔴 RATIONALE: When a sterile person folds their arms, the gloves are considered contaminated
because they are brought close to the body and may touch non-sterile areas.
3. The presence of only one living microorganism means an object is:
A. Sterile.
B. Contaminated.
C. Surgically clean.
D. Disinfected.
,🟢 B. Contaminated.
🔴 RATIONALE: Any object that harbors even a single living microorganism is considered
contaminated. Sterility means the complete absence of all living microorganisms.
4. Which statement concerning surgical masks is NOT true?
A. Ties may be tied crisscross on top of the head.
B. Masks should cover both the mouth and nose.
C. Masks should be changed when moist.
D. Masks filter microorganisms from exhaled air.
🟢 A. Ties may be tied crisscross on top of the head.
🔴 RATIONALE: Mask ties should be tied securely at the back of the head, not crisscrossed on top of
the head. Proper tying ensures the mask fits snugly and provides adequate filtration.
5. In draping a table, the scrub nurse drapes from ___ to ___ protecting her gloves ____.
A. Front, back, by cuffing drape edge.
B. Back, front, with sterile towels.
C. Side, side, with instrument.
D. Top, bottom, with hands.
🟢 A. Front, back, by cuffing drape edge.
🔴 RATIONALE: The scrub nurse drapes from front to back, protecting gloved hands by cuffing the
drape edge over the hands to prevent contamination.
6. The purpose of the hand scrub by the surgical team is to render their skin:
A. Sterile.
B. Surgically clean.
C. Disinfected.
D. Aseptic.
🟢 B. Surgically clean.
🔴 RATIONALE: The hand scrub renders the skin "surgically clean," reducing the microbial count to a
safe level. It is impossible to sterilize living skin.
7. After steam sterilization, which items should NOT be considered sterile?
A. Suction tips attached to tubing.
B. Asepto syringes with bulbs attached.
C. Cautery tips bound with rubber bands.
D. All of the above.
🟢 D. All of the above.
🔴 RATIONALE: Items with complex configurations or that are bound together may not allow steam to
penetrate adequately, rendering them non-sterile after the cycle.
8. A 45-year-old male is undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During the procedure, the
surgeon requests a Kitner dissector. What is the primary function of this instrument in this context?
A. Sharp dissection of the cystic duct.
B. Electrocautery of the cystic artery.
C. Blunt dissection and peeling of peritoneum off the gallbladder.
D. Suturing the cystic duct stump.
🟢 C. Blunt dissection and peeling of peritoneum off the gallbladder.
🔴 RATIONALE: A Kitner dissector (peanut sponge) is used for blunt dissection, gently separating the
peritoneum and connective tissue from the gallbladder to expose Calot's triangle.
, 9. What is the primary purpose of applying a scrub suit and sterile gown in the surgical
environment?
A. To identify the surgical team members.
B. To provide a barrier against shedding skin and hair-borne bacteria.
C. To keep the surgeon warm in the cold operating room.
D. To absorb sweat from the surgical team.
🟢 B. To provide a barrier against shedding skin and hair-borne bacteria.
🔴 RATIONALE: Surgical attire minimizes the transfer of microorganisms from the surgical team's skin
and hair to the patient's surgical site, preventing surgical site infections.
10. During a total knee arthroplasty, the surgeon is preparing the femur for the prosthesis. Which
power saw blade is most appropriate for making the distal femoral cut?
A. Sagittal saw blade.
B. Reciprocating saw blade.
C. Oscillating saw blade.
D. Gigli saw blade.
🟢 C. Oscillating saw blade.
🔴 RATIONALE: An oscillating saw blade moves in a small arc, minimizing damage to soft tissues, and
is the standard tool for precise, flat cuts like the distal femoral cut in total knee arthroplasty.
11. The surgical assistant is preparing the back table for a procedure. Which of the following is a
critical step in maintaining the sterile field?
A. Placing all instruments within 6 inches of the edge of the table.
B. Keeping the sterile field dry.
C. Turning your back to the sterile field frequently to retrieve supplies.
D. Speaking directly over the sterile field.
🟢 B. Keeping the sterile field dry.
🔴 RATIONALE: A dry sterile field is essential. Moisture can wick bacteria from non-sterile surfaces
through the drape via capillary action, contaminating the field.
12. Which anatomical structure is at greatest risk during a thyroidectomy due to its proximity to the
thyroid gland?
A. Vagus nerve (CN X).
B. Recurrent laryngeal nerve.
C. Phrenic nerve.
D. Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).
🟢 B. Recurrent laryngeal nerve.
🔴 RATIONALE: The recurrent laryngeal nerve runs in the tracheoesophageal groove, directly posterior
to the thyroid gland, and is highly susceptible to injury, which can result in vocal cord paralysis.
13. A patient is experiencing a tension pneumothorax. The surgeon requests an immediate needle
decompression. Which anatomical landmark is used for this emergency procedure?
A. 5th intercostal space, anterior axillary line.
B. 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line.
C. 4th intercostal space, midaxillary line.
D. 6th intercostal space, scapular line.
🟢 B. 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line.
🔴 RATIONALE: Needle decompression for tension pneumothorax is performed at the 2nd intercostal
space in the midclavicular line on the affected side to release trapped air.
