NIFA PERIOPERATIVE PRACTICE TEST 2026
QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS 100% CORRECT
◉ List examples of nonabsorbable sutures.
Silk, nylon, polyester fiber, polypropylene, and stainless steel wire are
examples of nonabsorbable sutures. Answer: List the indications for
using a surgical adhesive.
Surgical adhesives are used in place of subcuticular sutures 4-0 in
diameter or less in areas that are not under high tension or subject to
increasing tension with movement
◉ Define the term suture
Suture is a generic term for all materials used to sew severed body
tissues together and to hold these tissues in their normal position until
healing takes place; to suture is to stitch together cut or torn edges of
tissue. Answer: List examples of instruments or other devices used for
blunt dissection.
,Blunt dissectors include gauze dissectors (e.g., peanuts, pushers,
kitners), a sponge on a stick, the back of a knife handle, and the
surgeon's finger or hand.
◉ Define the term ligature
A ligature is a strand of suture material used to tie off (seal) blood
vessels for the prevention of minor bleeding, or to isolate a mass of
tissue for excision (cut out). Answer: Describe the ideal suture.
An ideal suture causes minimal inflammation and tissue reaction while
providing maximal strength during the lag phase of wound healing.
◉ Describe the "no touch" sharps technique
Sharps are placed in a predesignated basin, tray collection device, or safe
''neutral'' zone on the field, from which the surgeon can retrieve the
sharps. After use, the item is placed back in the neutral zone, and the
scrub person retrieves it. Answer: Define the secondary suture line.
,The secondary suture line is composed of those sutures that supplement
the primary suture line.
◉ Define the term retention suture
Retention sutures are placed at a distance from the primary suture line to
provide a secondary suture line, relieve undue strain, and help obliterate
dead space. Answer: List the different types of endomechanical staplers
used for internal stapling.
Ligating and dividing staplers (LDSs), gastrointestinal anastomosis
(GIA) staplers, thoracoabdominal (TA) staplers, end-to-end anastomosis
(EEA) staplers, laparoscopic hernia mesh staplers, open hernia mesh
staplers, and endo-GIA devices are used internally
◉ What is the function of the barbs in barbed suture?
The barbs help the tissue to stay approximated with equal wound tension
and eliminate the need to tie knots. Answer: Describe the purpose of
surgical soft goods.
, Surgical sponges are used to affect hemostasis via direct pressure,
absorb intraoperative blood loss and drainage, aid in blunt dissection,
pack viscera from the field, and keep areas of the wound moist
◉ Describe how sutures are measured.
Suture size is measured in millimeters, and expressed in USP sizes with
zeroes. The smaller the cross-sectional diameter, the more zeroes; sizes
range from #7, the largest, to 11-0, the smallest. Answer: Describe when
surgical counts (e.g., sponge, sharp, instrument) are performed.
Counts are performed initially, before the patient enters the operating
room (OR), before closure of a body cavity or deep, large incision; after
closure of a body cavity; and at skin closure
◉ Define the term subcuticular suture.
Subcuticular sutures are placed completely under the epidermal layer of
the skin. This technique is often used for cosmetic closure. Answer:
Define tensile strength.
QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS 100% CORRECT
◉ List examples of nonabsorbable sutures.
Silk, nylon, polyester fiber, polypropylene, and stainless steel wire are
examples of nonabsorbable sutures. Answer: List the indications for
using a surgical adhesive.
Surgical adhesives are used in place of subcuticular sutures 4-0 in
diameter or less in areas that are not under high tension or subject to
increasing tension with movement
◉ Define the term suture
Suture is a generic term for all materials used to sew severed body
tissues together and to hold these tissues in their normal position until
healing takes place; to suture is to stitch together cut or torn edges of
tissue. Answer: List examples of instruments or other devices used for
blunt dissection.
,Blunt dissectors include gauze dissectors (e.g., peanuts, pushers,
kitners), a sponge on a stick, the back of a knife handle, and the
surgeon's finger or hand.
◉ Define the term ligature
A ligature is a strand of suture material used to tie off (seal) blood
vessels for the prevention of minor bleeding, or to isolate a mass of
tissue for excision (cut out). Answer: Describe the ideal suture.
An ideal suture causes minimal inflammation and tissue reaction while
providing maximal strength during the lag phase of wound healing.
◉ Describe the "no touch" sharps technique
Sharps are placed in a predesignated basin, tray collection device, or safe
''neutral'' zone on the field, from which the surgeon can retrieve the
sharps. After use, the item is placed back in the neutral zone, and the
scrub person retrieves it. Answer: Define the secondary suture line.
,The secondary suture line is composed of those sutures that supplement
the primary suture line.
◉ Define the term retention suture
Retention sutures are placed at a distance from the primary suture line to
provide a secondary suture line, relieve undue strain, and help obliterate
dead space. Answer: List the different types of endomechanical staplers
used for internal stapling.
Ligating and dividing staplers (LDSs), gastrointestinal anastomosis
(GIA) staplers, thoracoabdominal (TA) staplers, end-to-end anastomosis
(EEA) staplers, laparoscopic hernia mesh staplers, open hernia mesh
staplers, and endo-GIA devices are used internally
◉ What is the function of the barbs in barbed suture?
The barbs help the tissue to stay approximated with equal wound tension
and eliminate the need to tie knots. Answer: Describe the purpose of
surgical soft goods.
, Surgical sponges are used to affect hemostasis via direct pressure,
absorb intraoperative blood loss and drainage, aid in blunt dissection,
pack viscera from the field, and keep areas of the wound moist
◉ Describe how sutures are measured.
Suture size is measured in millimeters, and expressed in USP sizes with
zeroes. The smaller the cross-sectional diameter, the more zeroes; sizes
range from #7, the largest, to 11-0, the smallest. Answer: Describe when
surgical counts (e.g., sponge, sharp, instrument) are performed.
Counts are performed initially, before the patient enters the operating
room (OR), before closure of a body cavity or deep, large incision; after
closure of a body cavity; and at skin closure
◉ Define the term subcuticular suture.
Subcuticular sutures are placed completely under the epidermal layer of
the skin. This technique is often used for cosmetic closure. Answer:
Define tensile strength.
