SURGICAL ASSISTANT CERTIFICATION
EXAM ABSA AMERICAN BOARD OF
SURGICAL ASSISTANT ACTUAL EXAM
PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS GRADED A+
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 ANSWERS-Thumb
inferior, then back to superior
With patient in the prone position, the dorsal roots of the spinal nerves are oriented: -
CORRECT ANSWERS-Superficial to its corresponding ventral roots
A choledoco-duodenostomy refers to the surgical anastomosis of which of the following two
structures: - CORRECT ANSWERS-Duodenum and common bile duct
In knee arthroscopy, the antero-medial portal is placed: - CORRECT ANSWERS-Proximal and
anterior to the pet anserinus, medial to the patellar ligament.
Epidural anesthesia is administered: - CORRECT ANSWERS-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? - CORRECT
ANSWERS-Patellar Ligament
, The talus forms an articulation with which of the following lists of bones: - CORRECT ANSWERS-
Calcaneus, navicular, tibia, and calcaneus
The acetabulum, or hip socket, is comprised of the fusion of which of the three bone chokes
below? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Pubis, ischium, and ilium
The superior mesenteric artery provides primary blood supply for which of the following
structures: - CORRECT ANSWERS-Pancreas
The uterine artery is a most commonly a direct branch of the: - CORRECT ANSWERS-Internal
iliac artery
After what percent of total blood volume may arterial pressure AND cardiac output begin to
significantly (and precipitously) drop? - CORRECT ANSWERS-More than about 10%
Putting a patient into Trendelenberg position has the effect of: - CORRECT ANSWERS-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? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Cardiac Tamponade
Which of the following may be a cause of acute cyanosis in a patient undergoing a surgical
procedure: - CORRECT ANSWERS-Lower than normal hemoglobin
Direct inadvertent stimulation of the Vagus nerve during carotid endarterectomy may have
which of the following transient affects: - CORRECT ANSWERS-Bradycardia
EXAM ABSA AMERICAN BOARD OF
SURGICAL ASSISTANT ACTUAL EXAM
PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS GRADED A+
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 ANSWERS-Thumb
inferior, then back to superior
With patient in the prone position, the dorsal roots of the spinal nerves are oriented: -
CORRECT ANSWERS-Superficial to its corresponding ventral roots
A choledoco-duodenostomy refers to the surgical anastomosis of which of the following two
structures: - CORRECT ANSWERS-Duodenum and common bile duct
In knee arthroscopy, the antero-medial portal is placed: - CORRECT ANSWERS-Proximal and
anterior to the pet anserinus, medial to the patellar ligament.
Epidural anesthesia is administered: - CORRECT ANSWERS-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? - CORRECT
ANSWERS-Patellar Ligament
, The talus forms an articulation with which of the following lists of bones: - CORRECT ANSWERS-
Calcaneus, navicular, tibia, and calcaneus
The acetabulum, or hip socket, is comprised of the fusion of which of the three bone chokes
below? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Pubis, ischium, and ilium
The superior mesenteric artery provides primary blood supply for which of the following
structures: - CORRECT ANSWERS-Pancreas
The uterine artery is a most commonly a direct branch of the: - CORRECT ANSWERS-Internal
iliac artery
After what percent of total blood volume may arterial pressure AND cardiac output begin to
significantly (and precipitously) drop? - CORRECT ANSWERS-More than about 10%
Putting a patient into Trendelenberg position has the effect of: - CORRECT ANSWERS-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? - CORRECT ANSWERS-Cardiac Tamponade
Which of the following may be a cause of acute cyanosis in a patient undergoing a surgical
procedure: - CORRECT ANSWERS-Lower than normal hemoglobin
Direct inadvertent stimulation of the Vagus nerve during carotid endarterectomy may have
which of the following transient affects: - CORRECT ANSWERS-Bradycardia
