Surgical Assistant Certification Exam
Questions with Complete Solutions
2025-2026 Updated.
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? - Answer Thumb inferior, then
back to superior
With patient in the prone position, the dorsal roots of the spinal nerves are oriented: - Answer
Superficial to its corresponding ventral roots
A choledoco-duodenostomy refers to the surgical anastomosis of which of the following two
structures: - Answer Duodenum and common bile duct
In knee arthroscopy, the antero-medial portal is placed: - Answer Proximal and anterior to
the pet anserinus, medial to the patellar ligament.
Epidural anesthesia is administered: - Answer 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? - Answer
Patellar Ligament
The talus forms an articulation with which of the following lists of bones: - Answer
Calcaneus, navicular, tibia, and calcaneus
The acetabulum, or hip socket, is comprised of the fusion of which of the three bone chokes
below? - Answer Pubis, ischium, and ilium
The superior mesenteric artery provides primary blood supply for which of the following
structures: - Answer Pancreas
The uterine artery is a most commonly a direct branch of the: - Answer Internal iliac artery
After what percent of total blood volume may arterial pressure AND cardiac output begin to
significantly (and precipitously) drop? - Answer More than about 10%
, Putting a patient into Trendelenberg position has the effect of: - Answer 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? - Answer Cardiac Tamponade
Which of the following may be a cause of acute cyanosis in a patient undergoing a surgical
procedure: - Answer Lower than normal hemoglobin
Direct inadvertent stimulation of the Vagus nerve during carotid endarterectomy may have
which of the following transient affects: - Answer Bradycardia
A "foot drop" results from insufficiency of the extensor muscles in the foot, and may be caused
by lumbar disc herniation (damage to a nerve root in the lumbar spine), or damage
to/compression of the _______ nerve as it courses superficial to the fibular head. - Answer
Peroneal
The recurrent laryngeal nerve is a branch of the: - Answer Vagus Nerve
The anatomic region bordered by the cystic duct, to the common hepatic duct, and the cystic
artery is referred to as: - Answer Calot`s triangle
The inferior mesenteric artery serves as principal blood supply to which of the following
structures: - Answer The Splenic Flexure of the colon
The short gastric arteries are direct branches of which of the following: - Answer Splenic
Artery
Which of the flowing statements are true regarding total thyroidectomy procedures? - Answer
The open approach generally utilizes a low transverse collar incision
During total nephrectomy and/or adrenalectomy, which of the following poses the greatest
intra-operative risk from a systemic perspective, during the manipulation of the adrenal gland? -
Answer Rapid blood pressure change
Which of the following are true statements regarding the pancreas? - Answer 1. The
pancreas is a mixed exocrine and endocrine organ
Questions with Complete Solutions
2025-2026 Updated.
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? - Answer Thumb inferior, then
back to superior
With patient in the prone position, the dorsal roots of the spinal nerves are oriented: - Answer
Superficial to its corresponding ventral roots
A choledoco-duodenostomy refers to the surgical anastomosis of which of the following two
structures: - Answer Duodenum and common bile duct
In knee arthroscopy, the antero-medial portal is placed: - Answer Proximal and anterior to
the pet anserinus, medial to the patellar ligament.
Epidural anesthesia is administered: - Answer 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? - Answer
Patellar Ligament
The talus forms an articulation with which of the following lists of bones: - Answer
Calcaneus, navicular, tibia, and calcaneus
The acetabulum, or hip socket, is comprised of the fusion of which of the three bone chokes
below? - Answer Pubis, ischium, and ilium
The superior mesenteric artery provides primary blood supply for which of the following
structures: - Answer Pancreas
The uterine artery is a most commonly a direct branch of the: - Answer Internal iliac artery
After what percent of total blood volume may arterial pressure AND cardiac output begin to
significantly (and precipitously) drop? - Answer More than about 10%
, Putting a patient into Trendelenberg position has the effect of: - Answer 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? - Answer Cardiac Tamponade
Which of the following may be a cause of acute cyanosis in a patient undergoing a surgical
procedure: - Answer Lower than normal hemoglobin
Direct inadvertent stimulation of the Vagus nerve during carotid endarterectomy may have
which of the following transient affects: - Answer Bradycardia
A "foot drop" results from insufficiency of the extensor muscles in the foot, and may be caused
by lumbar disc herniation (damage to a nerve root in the lumbar spine), or damage
to/compression of the _______ nerve as it courses superficial to the fibular head. - Answer
Peroneal
The recurrent laryngeal nerve is a branch of the: - Answer Vagus Nerve
The anatomic region bordered by the cystic duct, to the common hepatic duct, and the cystic
artery is referred to as: - Answer Calot`s triangle
The inferior mesenteric artery serves as principal blood supply to which of the following
structures: - Answer The Splenic Flexure of the colon
The short gastric arteries are direct branches of which of the following: - Answer Splenic
Artery
Which of the flowing statements are true regarding total thyroidectomy procedures? - Answer
The open approach generally utilizes a low transverse collar incision
During total nephrectomy and/or adrenalectomy, which of the following poses the greatest
intra-operative risk from a systemic perspective, during the manipulation of the adrenal gland? -
Answer Rapid blood pressure change
Which of the following are true statements regarding the pancreas? - Answer 1. The
pancreas is a mixed exocrine and endocrine organ
