CVA Surgical and Laboratory Assisting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which suture pattern is most commonly used to close the linea alba during an abdominal surgery in dogs?
- Simple interrupted
- Ford interlocking
- Cruciate
- Simple continuous (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Simple continuous
Simple continuous suture patterns are commonly used to close the linea alba because they provide a secure, leak-resistant seal efficiently.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a fenestrated drape during surgery?
- To absorb blood during the procedure
- To maintain warmth around the patient
- To expose only the surgical site while keeping the rest of the patient covered (Correct answer)
- To hold surgical instruments in place
Correct answer: To expose only the surgical site while keeping the rest of the patient covered
A fenestrated drape has a central opening (fenestration) that exposes only the sterile surgical field while keeping the surrounding area covered.
Question 3: Which laboratory test is used to evaluate how quickly a patient's blood clots?
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Prothrombin time (PT) (Correct answer)
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- Packed cell volume (PCV)
Correct answer: Prothrombin time (PT)
Prothrombin time (PT) measures the extrinsic coagulation pathway and is used to assess clotting ability before surgery.
Question 4: When preparing a sterile surgical pack, what temperature and time are typically used in a gravity displacement autoclave for a standard pack?
- 250°F for 10 minutes
- 270°F for 30 minutes
- 250°F for 30 minutes (Correct answer)
- 212°F for 60 minutes
Correct answer: 250°F for 30 minutes
A standard gravity displacement autoclave cycle runs at 250°F (121°C) for 30 minutes to achieve sterilization of surgical packs.
Question 5: Which organism is most commonly responsible for surgical site infections in veterinary patients?
- Escherichia coli
- Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (Correct answer)
- Clostridium perfringens
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Correct answer: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the most common cause of surgical site infections in dogs and cats.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the role of a Mayo stand in the operating room?
- It holds the anesthesia machine
- It supports the patient during positioning
- It provides a sterile surface for instruments used during surgery (Correct answer)
- It holds the surgical light overhead
Correct answer: It provides a sterile surface for instruments used during surgery
A Mayo stand is a movable, height-adjustable table that provides a sterile field for instruments needed immediately during surgery.
Question 7: What does a positive result on a urinary sediment examination indicating the presence of rod-shaped bacteria suggest?
- Fungal urinary tract infection
- Gram-positive coccal infection
- Gram-negative bacterial urinary tract infection (Correct answer)
- Viral cystitis
Correct answer: Gram-negative bacterial urinary tract infection
Rod-shaped (bacilli) bacteria in urine sediment are typically gram-negative organisms and suggest a bacterial urinary tract infection requiring culture and sensitivity.
CVA Surgical and Laboratory Assisting 2
Which suture pattern is most commonly used to close the linea alba during an abdominal surgery in dogs?