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Surgical Assistant Certification Exam
Questions and Correct Answers/ Latest
Update / Already Graded
The surgeon asks you to first gently supinate, then gently pronate the
operative wrist of a 14-year old patient in supine position. The
operative extremity is positioned at 80 degrees to the torso. Which of
the following most accurately describes the movement of the
operative thumb (which direction it points) as you carry out the
instructions?
Ans: Thumb inferior, then back to superior
With patient in the prone position, the dorsal roots of the spinal
nerves are oriented:
Ans: Superficial to its corresponding ventral roots
A choledoco-duodenostomy refers to the surgical anastomosis of
which of the following two structures:
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Ans: Duodenum and common bile duct
In knee arthroscopy, the antero-medial portal is placed:
Ans: Proximal and anterior to the pet anserinus, medial to the patellar
ligament.
Epidural anesthesia is administered:
Ans: Into the space between the spinal canal and the dura mater
covering the nerve roots.
The connective tissue between the patella and the tibial tuberosity in
the knee facilitates quadriceps muscle contraction across the knee
joint. What is the structure?
Ans: Patellar Ligament
The talus forms an articulation with which of the following lists of
bones:
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Ans: Calcaneus, navicular, tibia, and calcaneus
The acetabulum, or hip socket, is comprised of the fusion of which of
the three bone chokes below?
Ans: Pubis, ischium, and ilium
The superior mesenteric artery provides primary blood supply for
which of the following structures:
Ans: Pancreas
The uterine artery is a most commonly a direct branch of the:
Ans: Internal iliac artery
After what percent of total blood volume may arterial pressure AND
cardiac output begin to significantly (and precipitously) drop?
Ans: More than about 10%
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Putting a patient into Trendelenberg position has the effect of:
Ans: Increasing blood flow to the brain
A history of crushing would to the chest, a patient exhibits the
following symptoms: low blood pressure; chest pain radiating to the
neck, shoulders, and back; trouble taking deep breaths and rapid
shallow breathing. Which of the following cardio-pulmonary
conditions may be responsible and require urgent surgery?
Ans: Cardiac Tamponade
Which of the following may be a cause of acute cyanosis in a
patient undergoing a surgical procedure:
Ans: Lower than normal hemoglobin
Direct inadvertent stimulation of the Vagus nerve during carotid
endarterectomy may have which of the following transient affects:
Surgical Assistant Certification Exam
Questions and Correct Answers/ Latest
Update / Already Graded
The surgeon asks you to first gently supinate, then gently pronate the
operative wrist of a 14-year old patient in supine position. The
operative extremity is positioned at 80 degrees to the torso. Which of
the following most accurately describes the movement of the
operative thumb (which direction it points) as you carry out the
instructions?
Ans: Thumb inferior, then back to superior
With patient in the prone position, the dorsal roots of the spinal
nerves are oriented:
Ans: Superficial to its corresponding ventral roots
A choledoco-duodenostomy refers to the surgical anastomosis of
which of the following two structures:
,2 | Page
Ans: Duodenum and common bile duct
In knee arthroscopy, the antero-medial portal is placed:
Ans: Proximal and anterior to the pet anserinus, medial to the patellar
ligament.
Epidural anesthesia is administered:
Ans: Into the space between the spinal canal and the dura mater
covering the nerve roots.
The connective tissue between the patella and the tibial tuberosity in
the knee facilitates quadriceps muscle contraction across the knee
joint. What is the structure?
Ans: Patellar Ligament
The talus forms an articulation with which of the following lists of
bones:
,3 | Page
Ans: Calcaneus, navicular, tibia, and calcaneus
The acetabulum, or hip socket, is comprised of the fusion of which of
the three bone chokes below?
Ans: Pubis, ischium, and ilium
The superior mesenteric artery provides primary blood supply for
which of the following structures:
Ans: Pancreas
The uterine artery is a most commonly a direct branch of the:
Ans: Internal iliac artery
After what percent of total blood volume may arterial pressure AND
cardiac output begin to significantly (and precipitously) drop?
Ans: More than about 10%
, 4 | Page
Putting a patient into Trendelenberg position has the effect of:
Ans: Increasing blood flow to the brain
A history of crushing would to the chest, a patient exhibits the
following symptoms: low blood pressure; chest pain radiating to the
neck, shoulders, and back; trouble taking deep breaths and rapid
shallow breathing. Which of the following cardio-pulmonary
conditions may be responsible and require urgent surgery?
Ans: Cardiac Tamponade
Which of the following may be a cause of acute cyanosis in a
patient undergoing a surgical procedure:
Ans: Lower than normal hemoglobin
Direct inadvertent stimulation of the Vagus nerve during carotid
endarterectomy may have which of the following transient affects:
