ABSA Surgical Assistant Certification (SA-C)
Study Guide | 2025 Verified Exam Prep
This comprehensive 300-question study guide is meticulously designed
for the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) SA-C Certification
Examination, reflecting the latest 2025 verified exam prep standards.
Each question is paired with a verified correct answer and a detailed,
evidence-based rationale to reinforce critical surgical concepts, from
asepsis and sterilization to operating room safety. Trusted by students at
EVMS, UAB, and Barry University, this resource ensures zero repetition
and guarantees you are fully equipped to pass your exam on the first
attempt.
Question 1
Which is not considered part of a sterile field?
A) Gloves of sterile person who has folded his arms
B) Sterile drapes on the table
C) Sterile instruments on a Mayo stand
D) The front of a sterile gown
Correct Answer: A) Gloves of sterile person who has folded his arms
Explanation: When a sterile person folds their arms, their gloved
hands are considered contaminated because they are below the
,waist level and outside their field of vision. The sterile field includes
only areas that are visible and above the level of the sterile field.
Question 2
The presence of only one living microorganism means an object is:
A) Contaminated
B) Sterile
C) Clean
D) Disinfected
Correct Answer: A) Contaminated
Explanation: Sterility is an absolute state; the presence of even a
single living microorganism means the object is no longer sterile
and is considered contaminated.
Question 3
Which statement concerning masks is not true?
A) Ties may be tied crisscross on top of head
B) Masks should cover the nose and mouth
C) Masks should be changed when wet
D) Masks should not be worn hanging around the neck
Correct Answer: A) Ties may be tied crisscross on top of head
Explanation: Mask ties should be secured at the back of the head and
,neck, not crisscrossed on top of the head, to ensure a proper seal
and prevent contamination.
Question 4
In draping a table, the scrub nurse drapes from ______ to ______,
protecting her gloves ________________.
A) Front, back, by cuffing drape edge
B) Back, front, by holding drape away from body
C) Far side, near side, by using forceps
D) Near side, far side, by tucking gloves inside gown
Correct Answer: A) Front, back, by cuffing drape edge
Explanation: The scrub nurse drapes from front to back, protecting
gloves by cuffing the drape edge over the hands. This prevents
contamination and allows the nurse to step forward without stepping
on the drape.
Question 5
The purpose of the hand scrub by the team is to render their skin:
A) Surgically Clean
B) Sterile
C) Disinfected
D) Bacteria-free
, Correct Answer: A) Surgically Clean
Explanation: The surgical hand scrub renders skin "surgically clean"
by removing transient microorganisms and reducing resident flora.
Complete sterility of living skin is impossible.
Question 6
After steam sterilization, which items should not be considered
sterile?
A) Suction tips attached to tubing, Asepto syringes with bulbs attached,
Cautery tips bound with rubber bands
B) Instruments in wrapped trays
C) Textile packs with proper indicators
D) Metal basins properly separated
Correct Answer: A) Suction tips attached to tubing, Asepto syringes
with bulbs attached, Cautery tips bound with rubber bands
Explanation: Items with attachments or enclosed spaces (like tubing,
bulbs, or rubber bands) prevent proper steam penetration and
should not be considered sterile after steam sterilization.
Question 7
Because there is less chance contamination, the preferred method
of gloving is ______. For changing only a glove during a case, this
method ______ be used.
Study Guide | 2025 Verified Exam Prep
This comprehensive 300-question study guide is meticulously designed
for the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) SA-C Certification
Examination, reflecting the latest 2025 verified exam prep standards.
Each question is paired with a verified correct answer and a detailed,
evidence-based rationale to reinforce critical surgical concepts, from
asepsis and sterilization to operating room safety. Trusted by students at
EVMS, UAB, and Barry University, this resource ensures zero repetition
and guarantees you are fully equipped to pass your exam on the first
attempt.
Question 1
Which is not considered part of a sterile field?
A) Gloves of sterile person who has folded his arms
B) Sterile drapes on the table
C) Sterile instruments on a Mayo stand
D) The front of a sterile gown
Correct Answer: A) Gloves of sterile person who has folded his arms
Explanation: When a sterile person folds their arms, their gloved
hands are considered contaminated because they are below the
,waist level and outside their field of vision. The sterile field includes
only areas that are visible and above the level of the sterile field.
Question 2
The presence of only one living microorganism means an object is:
A) Contaminated
B) Sterile
C) Clean
D) Disinfected
Correct Answer: A) Contaminated
Explanation: Sterility is an absolute state; the presence of even a
single living microorganism means the object is no longer sterile
and is considered contaminated.
Question 3
Which statement concerning masks is not true?
A) Ties may be tied crisscross on top of head
B) Masks should cover the nose and mouth
C) Masks should be changed when wet
D) Masks should not be worn hanging around the neck
Correct Answer: A) Ties may be tied crisscross on top of head
Explanation: Mask ties should be secured at the back of the head and
,neck, not crisscrossed on top of the head, to ensure a proper seal
and prevent contamination.
Question 4
In draping a table, the scrub nurse drapes from ______ to ______,
protecting her gloves ________________.
A) Front, back, by cuffing drape edge
B) Back, front, by holding drape away from body
C) Far side, near side, by using forceps
D) Near side, far side, by tucking gloves inside gown
Correct Answer: A) Front, back, by cuffing drape edge
Explanation: The scrub nurse drapes from front to back, protecting
gloves by cuffing the drape edge over the hands. This prevents
contamination and allows the nurse to step forward without stepping
on the drape.
Question 5
The purpose of the hand scrub by the team is to render their skin:
A) Surgically Clean
B) Sterile
C) Disinfected
D) Bacteria-free
, Correct Answer: A) Surgically Clean
Explanation: The surgical hand scrub renders skin "surgically clean"
by removing transient microorganisms and reducing resident flora.
Complete sterility of living skin is impossible.
Question 6
After steam sterilization, which items should not be considered
sterile?
A) Suction tips attached to tubing, Asepto syringes with bulbs attached,
Cautery tips bound with rubber bands
B) Instruments in wrapped trays
C) Textile packs with proper indicators
D) Metal basins properly separated
Correct Answer: A) Suction tips attached to tubing, Asepto syringes
with bulbs attached, Cautery tips bound with rubber bands
Explanation: Items with attachments or enclosed spaces (like tubing,
bulbs, or rubber bands) prevent proper steam penetration and
should not be considered sterile after steam sterilization.
Question 7
Because there is less chance contamination, the preferred method
of gloving is ______. For changing only a glove during a case, this
method ______ be used.
