CSFA EXAM B KEY CONCEPTS AND PRACTICE
QUESTIONS
◉ 2. Before surgery, which chart information should the CSFA
review?
Answer: History and physical, laboratory and diagnostic results,
allergies, medications, and other patient-specific information
relevant to the procedure.
◉ 3. What is the purpose of verifying informed surgical consent?
Answer: To confirm that the correct procedure and site are
authorized and that required consent has been obtained before
surgery.
◉ 4. What should be confirmed when a graft is required?
Answer: That the correct graft is available, properly identified,
appropriately stored, and ready for use.
◉ 5. Why should implant availability be verified before surgery?
Answer: To prevent delays and ensure the correct implant and
required components are available for the planned procedure.
,◉ 6. What should be checked on sterile supply packaging before
opening?
Answer: Integrity of the package, expiration date, and indicators of
proper processing when applicable.
◉ 7. Why is anticipating surgical team needs important?
Answer: It improves efficiency, reduces delays, and helps the team
respond promptly to expected procedural steps.
◉ 8. What is the purpose of a surgical safety strap?
Answer: To help prevent unintended patient movement or falls
while avoiding excessive pressure or restriction.
◉ 9. What is the purpose of sequential compression or other
antiembolic devices?
Answer: To promote venous circulation and reduce the risk of
venous thromboembolism when appropriate.
◉ 10. What should be considered when positioning a patient prone?
Answer: Pressure points, airway access, eyes, nerves, circulation,
padding, chest and abdominal pressure, and safe alignment.
◉ 11. What major nerve is vulnerable with prolonged lithotomy
positioning?
,Answer: The common peroneal nerve and other lower-extremity
nerves can be injured by pressure or improper positioning.
◉ 12. Why is the return electrode pad used with monopolar
electrosurgery?
Answer: To provide a safe pathway for electrical current to return
from the patient to the generator.
◉ 13. Where should a dispersive electrosurgical return electrode
generally be placed?
Answer: On a well-perfused, clean, dry area with broad contact and
close to the surgical site when appropriate, avoiding bony
prominences and scar tissue.
◉ 14. What is a key safety concern when applying a pneumatic
tourniquet?
Answer: Use the correct cuff size and pressure, protect the skin,
document application, and monitor tourniquet time.
◉ 15. What is the purpose of surgical skin preparation?
Answer: To reduce the microbial load on the skin and decrease the
risk of surgical-site infection.
◉ 16. What is the purpose of the surgical time-out?
, Answer: To verify the correct patient, procedure, site, positioning,
implants, and other critical safety information before incision.
◉ 17. During the time-out, what should the CSFA do?
Answer: Actively participate, listen, confirm required information,
and speak up about discrepancies or safety concerns.
◉ 18. What is the primary purpose of proper patient draping?
Answer: To establish and maintain a sterile field while providing
appropriate exposure of the operative site.
◉ 19. What is the principle of traction and countertraction?
Answer: Applying opposing forces to separate tissue planes and
improve exposure during dissection.
◉ 20. What is the primary goal of gentle tissue handling?
Answer: To minimize trauma, preserve blood supply, and promote
optimal healing.
◉ 21. What is the purpose of surgical retraction?
Answer: To provide exposure while minimizing tissue injury and
maintaining adequate visualization.
QUESTIONS
◉ 2. Before surgery, which chart information should the CSFA
review?
Answer: History and physical, laboratory and diagnostic results,
allergies, medications, and other patient-specific information
relevant to the procedure.
◉ 3. What is the purpose of verifying informed surgical consent?
Answer: To confirm that the correct procedure and site are
authorized and that required consent has been obtained before
surgery.
◉ 4. What should be confirmed when a graft is required?
Answer: That the correct graft is available, properly identified,
appropriately stored, and ready for use.
◉ 5. Why should implant availability be verified before surgery?
Answer: To prevent delays and ensure the correct implant and
required components are available for the planned procedure.
,◉ 6. What should be checked on sterile supply packaging before
opening?
Answer: Integrity of the package, expiration date, and indicators of
proper processing when applicable.
◉ 7. Why is anticipating surgical team needs important?
Answer: It improves efficiency, reduces delays, and helps the team
respond promptly to expected procedural steps.
◉ 8. What is the purpose of a surgical safety strap?
Answer: To help prevent unintended patient movement or falls
while avoiding excessive pressure or restriction.
◉ 9. What is the purpose of sequential compression or other
antiembolic devices?
Answer: To promote venous circulation and reduce the risk of
venous thromboembolism when appropriate.
◉ 10. What should be considered when positioning a patient prone?
Answer: Pressure points, airway access, eyes, nerves, circulation,
padding, chest and abdominal pressure, and safe alignment.
◉ 11. What major nerve is vulnerable with prolonged lithotomy
positioning?
,Answer: The common peroneal nerve and other lower-extremity
nerves can be injured by pressure or improper positioning.
◉ 12. Why is the return electrode pad used with monopolar
electrosurgery?
Answer: To provide a safe pathway for electrical current to return
from the patient to the generator.
◉ 13. Where should a dispersive electrosurgical return electrode
generally be placed?
Answer: On a well-perfused, clean, dry area with broad contact and
close to the surgical site when appropriate, avoiding bony
prominences and scar tissue.
◉ 14. What is a key safety concern when applying a pneumatic
tourniquet?
Answer: Use the correct cuff size and pressure, protect the skin,
document application, and monitor tourniquet time.
◉ 15. What is the purpose of surgical skin preparation?
Answer: To reduce the microbial load on the skin and decrease the
risk of surgical-site infection.
◉ 16. What is the purpose of the surgical time-out?
, Answer: To verify the correct patient, procedure, site, positioning,
implants, and other critical safety information before incision.
◉ 17. During the time-out, what should the CSFA do?
Answer: Actively participate, listen, confirm required information,
and speak up about discrepancies or safety concerns.
◉ 18. What is the primary purpose of proper patient draping?
Answer: To establish and maintain a sterile field while providing
appropriate exposure of the operative site.
◉ 19. What is the principle of traction and countertraction?
Answer: Applying opposing forces to separate tissue planes and
improve exposure during dissection.
◉ 20. What is the primary goal of gentle tissue handling?
Answer: To minimize trauma, preserve blood supply, and promote
optimal healing.
◉ 21. What is the purpose of surgical retraction?
Answer: To provide exposure while minimizing tissue injury and
maintaining adequate visualization.
