Surgical Assistant Certification Exam Questions and Correct
Answers
Question 1
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?
Correct Answer
Thumb inferior, then back to superior
Question 2
With patient in the prone position, the dorsal roots of the spinal nerves are oriented:
Correct Answer
Superficial to its corresponding ventral roots
Question 3
A choledoco-duodenostomy refers to the surgical anastomosis of which of the following two structures:
Correct Answer
Duodenum and common bile duct
Page 1 of 32
,Question 4
In knee arthroscopy, the antero-medial portal is placed:
Correct Answer
Proximal and anterior to the pet anserinus, medial to the patellar ligament.
Question 5
Epidural anesthesia is administered:
Correct Answer
Into the space between the spinal canal and the dura mater covering the nerve roots.
Question 6
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?
Correct Answer
Patellar Ligament
Question 7
The talus forms an articulation with which of the following lists of bones:
Correct Answer
Calcaneus, navicular, tibia, and calcaneus
Page 2 of 32
,Question 8
The acetabulum, or hip socket, is comprised of the fusion of which of the three bone chokes below?
Correct Answer
Pubis, ischium, and ilium
Question 9
The superior mesenteric artery provides primary blood supply for which of the following structures:
Correct Answer
Pancreas
Question 10
The uterine artery is a most commonly a direct branch of the:
Correct Answer
Internal iliac artery
Question 11
After what percent of total blood volume may arterial pressure AND cardiac output begin to significantly (and
precipitously) drop?
Correct Answer
More than about 10%
Page 3 of 32
, Question 12
Putting a patient into Trendelenberg position has the effect of:
Correct Answer
Increasing blood flow to the brain
Question 13
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?
Correct Answer
Cardiac Tamponade
Question 14
Which of the following may be a cause of acute cyanosis in a patient undergoing a surgical procedure:
Correct Answer
Lower than normal hemoglobin
Question 15
Direct inadvertent stimulation of the Vagus nerve during carotid endarterectomy may have which of the following transient
affects:
Correct Answer
Bradycardia
Page 4 of 32
Answers
Question 1
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?
Correct Answer
Thumb inferior, then back to superior
Question 2
With patient in the prone position, the dorsal roots of the spinal nerves are oriented:
Correct Answer
Superficial to its corresponding ventral roots
Question 3
A choledoco-duodenostomy refers to the surgical anastomosis of which of the following two structures:
Correct Answer
Duodenum and common bile duct
Page 1 of 32
,Question 4
In knee arthroscopy, the antero-medial portal is placed:
Correct Answer
Proximal and anterior to the pet anserinus, medial to the patellar ligament.
Question 5
Epidural anesthesia is administered:
Correct Answer
Into the space between the spinal canal and the dura mater covering the nerve roots.
Question 6
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?
Correct Answer
Patellar Ligament
Question 7
The talus forms an articulation with which of the following lists of bones:
Correct Answer
Calcaneus, navicular, tibia, and calcaneus
Page 2 of 32
,Question 8
The acetabulum, or hip socket, is comprised of the fusion of which of the three bone chokes below?
Correct Answer
Pubis, ischium, and ilium
Question 9
The superior mesenteric artery provides primary blood supply for which of the following structures:
Correct Answer
Pancreas
Question 10
The uterine artery is a most commonly a direct branch of the:
Correct Answer
Internal iliac artery
Question 11
After what percent of total blood volume may arterial pressure AND cardiac output begin to significantly (and
precipitously) drop?
Correct Answer
More than about 10%
Page 3 of 32
, Question 12
Putting a patient into Trendelenberg position has the effect of:
Correct Answer
Increasing blood flow to the brain
Question 13
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?
Correct Answer
Cardiac Tamponade
Question 14
Which of the following may be a cause of acute cyanosis in a patient undergoing a surgical procedure:
Correct Answer
Lower than normal hemoglobin
Question 15
Direct inadvertent stimulation of the Vagus nerve during carotid endarterectomy may have which of the following transient
affects:
Correct Answer
Bradycardia
Page 4 of 32
