ABSA EXAM American Board of Surgical
Assistant Actual Exam 2026 2027 Practice
Questions with Rationales Accurate Exam
Brand New Just Released
SECTION 1: PERIOPERATIVE CARE AND SURGICAL ASSISTING
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the ABSA SA C certification
examination
A. To assess basic surgical knowledge
B. To evaluate advanced surgical procedures
C. To ensure proficiency in sterile techniques
D. To test knowledge in anatomy and physiology
Correct Answer A
Rationale The primary purpose of the ABSA exam is to assess basic
surgical knowledge and determine qualifications for certification. The
exam covers perioperative medicine surgical anatomy sterile technique
,and patient safety protocols. The SA-C credential is awarded by the
American Board of Surgical Assistants and is recognized for surgical
assistant licensure in states such as Tennessee .
Question 2
A 45 year old male patient is scheduled for an open cholecystectomy due
to symptomatic cholelithiasis. During the procedure the surgeon
encounters extensive adhesions from a prior abdominal surgery. As the
surgical assistant which of the following is the most appropriate
immediate action to facilitate safe dissection
A. Apply firm traction on the adhesions to improve visualization
B. Utilize sharp dissection with Metzenbaum scissors under direct vision
C. Irrigate the area with cold saline to shrink the adhesive bands
D. Proceed with blunt digital dissection to rapidly free the gallbladder
Correct Answer B
Rationale Sharp dissection under direct vision is the safest technique for
dividing adhesions as it minimizes the risk of inadvertent injury to
underlying bowel or vascular structures. Traction alone can cause
avulsion injuries. Cold saline does not effectively eliminate adhesions.
Blunt dissection in the presence of dense adhesions increases the risk of
uncontrolled tearing and hemorrhage .
,Question 3
What are the three pathways to eligibility for the SA C certification
exam
A. Physician pathway allied health pathway and certified surgical
assistant pathway
B. Nursing pathway military pathway and international pathway
C. Medical student pathway residency pathway and fellowship pathway
D. Surgical technologist pathway physician assistant pathway and nurse
practitioner pathway
Correct Answer A
Rationale There are three pathways to eligibility for the SA C
certification exam. The physician pathway requires completion of a
medical program residency and two years of surgical experience. The
allied health pathway requires completion of a formal surgical assistant
training program meeting ABSA criteria and two years of surgical scrub
experience. The certified surgical assistant pathway requires active
certification in surgical assisting from another entity and two years of
clinical surgical scrub experience .
Question 4
, A patient undergoing a right hemicolectomy for colon cancer suddenly
develops hypotension tachycardia and a decrease in end tidal CO2. The
surgical field shows a significant amount of dark venous bleeding. What
is the most likely cause of this intraoperative crisis
A. Anaphylactic reaction to the anesthetic agent
B. Superior mesenteric artery laceration
C. Inferior vena cava injury
D. Malignant hyperthermia
Correct Answer C
Rationale Dark venous bleeding combined with hypotension and a drop
in end tidal CO2 is highly suggestive of a venous injury particularly to
the inferior vena cava during right sided abdominal procedures.
Anaphylaxis typically presents with bronchospasm and skin changes. An
arterial laceration would produce bright red pulsatile bleeding.
Malignant hyperthermia presents with muscle rigidity and hyperthermia
not primarily with venous hemorrhage .
Question 5
Which statement is true regarding the SA C exam format
A. The exam has 100 questions and candidates have 2 hours to complete
it
Assistant Actual Exam 2026 2027 Practice
Questions with Rationales Accurate Exam
Brand New Just Released
SECTION 1: PERIOPERATIVE CARE AND SURGICAL ASSISTING
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the ABSA SA C certification
examination
A. To assess basic surgical knowledge
B. To evaluate advanced surgical procedures
C. To ensure proficiency in sterile techniques
D. To test knowledge in anatomy and physiology
Correct Answer A
Rationale The primary purpose of the ABSA exam is to assess basic
surgical knowledge and determine qualifications for certification. The
exam covers perioperative medicine surgical anatomy sterile technique
,and patient safety protocols. The SA-C credential is awarded by the
American Board of Surgical Assistants and is recognized for surgical
assistant licensure in states such as Tennessee .
Question 2
A 45 year old male patient is scheduled for an open cholecystectomy due
to symptomatic cholelithiasis. During the procedure the surgeon
encounters extensive adhesions from a prior abdominal surgery. As the
surgical assistant which of the following is the most appropriate
immediate action to facilitate safe dissection
A. Apply firm traction on the adhesions to improve visualization
B. Utilize sharp dissection with Metzenbaum scissors under direct vision
C. Irrigate the area with cold saline to shrink the adhesive bands
D. Proceed with blunt digital dissection to rapidly free the gallbladder
Correct Answer B
Rationale Sharp dissection under direct vision is the safest technique for
dividing adhesions as it minimizes the risk of inadvertent injury to
underlying bowel or vascular structures. Traction alone can cause
avulsion injuries. Cold saline does not effectively eliminate adhesions.
Blunt dissection in the presence of dense adhesions increases the risk of
uncontrolled tearing and hemorrhage .
,Question 3
What are the three pathways to eligibility for the SA C certification
exam
A. Physician pathway allied health pathway and certified surgical
assistant pathway
B. Nursing pathway military pathway and international pathway
C. Medical student pathway residency pathway and fellowship pathway
D. Surgical technologist pathway physician assistant pathway and nurse
practitioner pathway
Correct Answer A
Rationale There are three pathways to eligibility for the SA C
certification exam. The physician pathway requires completion of a
medical program residency and two years of surgical experience. The
allied health pathway requires completion of a formal surgical assistant
training program meeting ABSA criteria and two years of surgical scrub
experience. The certified surgical assistant pathway requires active
certification in surgical assisting from another entity and two years of
clinical surgical scrub experience .
Question 4
, A patient undergoing a right hemicolectomy for colon cancer suddenly
develops hypotension tachycardia and a decrease in end tidal CO2. The
surgical field shows a significant amount of dark venous bleeding. What
is the most likely cause of this intraoperative crisis
A. Anaphylactic reaction to the anesthetic agent
B. Superior mesenteric artery laceration
C. Inferior vena cava injury
D. Malignant hyperthermia
Correct Answer C
Rationale Dark venous bleeding combined with hypotension and a drop
in end tidal CO2 is highly suggestive of a venous injury particularly to
the inferior vena cava during right sided abdominal procedures.
Anaphylaxis typically presents with bronchospasm and skin changes. An
arterial laceration would produce bright red pulsatile bleeding.
Malignant hyperthermia presents with muscle rigidity and hyperthermia
not primarily with venous hemorrhage .
Question 5
Which statement is true regarding the SA C exam format
A. The exam has 100 questions and candidates have 2 hours to complete
it
