ABSA EXAM / AMERICAN BOARD OF
SURGICAL ASSISTANT (ABSA) ACTUAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
Question 1
Which nerves must be identified during a thyroidectomy
Correct Answer
recurrent laryngeal nerve
Question 2
chest compressions
Correct Answer
Rapid, deep, regular compressions on the center of the chest in an attempt to
circulate blood to the brain, lungs, and heart. At least 2 inches in depth for an adult
Question 3
Fresh frozen plasma
Correct Answer
Liquid portion of whole blood is separated from cells and frozen. and used to
replace clotting factors
Question 4
excisional biopsy
Correct Answer
removal of an entire lesion for examination
Page 1 of 145
,Question 5
A hysterectomy, where the cervix remains in place is a:
Choose one
Total abdominal hysterectomy
Supracervical hysterectomy
Vaginal hysterectomy
Panhysterectomy
Correct Answer
Supracervical hysterectomy
Question 6
phlebitis
Correct Answer
inflammation of a vein
Question 7
Which suture is most inert in tissue?
Choose one
Stainless steel wire
Nylon
Silk
Polypropylene
Correct Answer
Stainless steel wire
Question 8
A pulmonary embolism is an obstruction to the:
Choose one
Bronchial tubes
Pulmonary veins
Vena cava
Pulmonary artery
Correct Answer
Pulmonary artery
Page 2 of 145
,Question 9
Which of the following would be used to dilate a urethral stricture?
Choose one
Foley
Bakes
Filiform with followers
None of the above
Correct Answer
Filiform with followers
Question 10
A foramen is a
Correct Answer
Depression
Question 11
Beckman Retractor
Correct Answer
spinal retractor
Question 12
The nasal cavity connects with the ear through the:
Choose one
Nasal ducts
Posterior sinuses
Eustachian tubes
Ethmoid sinuses
Correct Answer
Eustachian tubes
Page 3 of 145
, Question 13
reginal anesthesia
Correct Answer
In regional anesthesia, your anesthesiologist makes an injection near a cluster of
nerves to numb the area of your body that requires surgery. There are several kinds
of regional anesthesia
Question 14
The primary function of the surgical assistant is:
Choose one
To tie and cut most of the sutures for the surgeon
To provide exposure for the surgeon by whatever means appropriate
To cut all sutures, close the skin and apply dressings for the surgeon
To select appropriate implements and/or equipment for the procedure
Correct Answer
To provide exposure for the surgeon by whatever means appropriate
Question 15
The platysma is a:
Choose one
Muscle
Bone
Fascia
Tendon
Correct Answer
Muscle
Question 16
A joint fusion in the foot with the articular surfaces removed
a. osteotomy
b. arthroplasty
c. arthrodesis
d. none
Correct Answer
c. arthrodesis
Page 4 of 145
SURGICAL ASSISTANT (ABSA) ACTUAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
Question 1
Which nerves must be identified during a thyroidectomy
Correct Answer
recurrent laryngeal nerve
Question 2
chest compressions
Correct Answer
Rapid, deep, regular compressions on the center of the chest in an attempt to
circulate blood to the brain, lungs, and heart. At least 2 inches in depth for an adult
Question 3
Fresh frozen plasma
Correct Answer
Liquid portion of whole blood is separated from cells and frozen. and used to
replace clotting factors
Question 4
excisional biopsy
Correct Answer
removal of an entire lesion for examination
Page 1 of 145
,Question 5
A hysterectomy, where the cervix remains in place is a:
Choose one
Total abdominal hysterectomy
Supracervical hysterectomy
Vaginal hysterectomy
Panhysterectomy
Correct Answer
Supracervical hysterectomy
Question 6
phlebitis
Correct Answer
inflammation of a vein
Question 7
Which suture is most inert in tissue?
Choose one
Stainless steel wire
Nylon
Silk
Polypropylene
Correct Answer
Stainless steel wire
Question 8
A pulmonary embolism is an obstruction to the:
Choose one
Bronchial tubes
Pulmonary veins
Vena cava
Pulmonary artery
Correct Answer
Pulmonary artery
Page 2 of 145
,Question 9
Which of the following would be used to dilate a urethral stricture?
Choose one
Foley
Bakes
Filiform with followers
None of the above
Correct Answer
Filiform with followers
Question 10
A foramen is a
Correct Answer
Depression
Question 11
Beckman Retractor
Correct Answer
spinal retractor
Question 12
The nasal cavity connects with the ear through the:
Choose one
Nasal ducts
Posterior sinuses
Eustachian tubes
Ethmoid sinuses
Correct Answer
Eustachian tubes
Page 3 of 145
, Question 13
reginal anesthesia
Correct Answer
In regional anesthesia, your anesthesiologist makes an injection near a cluster of
nerves to numb the area of your body that requires surgery. There are several kinds
of regional anesthesia
Question 14
The primary function of the surgical assistant is:
Choose one
To tie and cut most of the sutures for the surgeon
To provide exposure for the surgeon by whatever means appropriate
To cut all sutures, close the skin and apply dressings for the surgeon
To select appropriate implements and/or equipment for the procedure
Correct Answer
To provide exposure for the surgeon by whatever means appropriate
Question 15
The platysma is a:
Choose one
Muscle
Bone
Fascia
Tendon
Correct Answer
Muscle
Question 16
A joint fusion in the foot with the articular surfaces removed
a. osteotomy
b. arthroplasty
c. arthrodesis
d. none
Correct Answer
c. arthrodesis
Page 4 of 145
