Preoperative Patient Preparation Flashcards
7 cards from real CSFA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Preoperative Patient Preparation flashcards as text
Which preoperative measure is most important when preparing a patient with a known difficult airway?
Answer: Ensuring availability of difficult airway equipment and a backup airway plan
For difficult airway patients, the team must ensure specialized equipment (video laryngoscope, LMA, surgical airway tools) and a clear backup plan are ready.
A preoperative patient is found to have a hemoglobin of 7.2 g/dL. Which intervention is the surgeon most likely to order before an elective major abdominal procedure?
Answer: Postpone surgery and treat the anemia preoperatively
A hemoglobin of 7.2 g/dL indicates significant anemia; elective major surgery is typically deferred until anemia is investigated and corrected.
When preparing a patient with a history of MRSA for surgery, which preoperative decolonization protocol is commonly used?
Answer: Intranasal mupirocin and chlorhexidine body wash
MRSA decolonization protocols commonly involve intranasal mupirocin ointment and chlorhexidine gluconate body wash before surgery.
A preoperative patient discloses using herbal supplement St. John's Wort daily. The primary concern for the surgical team is:
Answer: Potential drug interactions affecting anesthesia metabolism and platelet function
St. John's Wort induces cytochrome P450 enzymes, affecting anesthesia drug metabolism, and may also inhibit platelet aggregation.
What is the correct sequence for the preoperative skin preparation of an abdominal surgical site?
Answer: Prep from the incision site outward toward the periphery
Skin prep begins at the cleanest area (intended incision site) and moves outward to prevent dragging bacteria toward the surgical site.
A Jehovah's Witness patient undergoing surgery has refused blood transfusion even in life-threatening circumstances. The surgical first assistant should:
Answer: Document the refusal, ensure a signed refusal form is in the chart, and inform the surgeon and anesthesia team
A competent adult's refusal of blood products is legally and ethically binding; the team must document it, inform all providers, and plan bloodless surgical strategies.
Which preoperative positioning consideration is most critical for a patient with severe osteoporosis scheduled for a prolonged orthopedic procedure?
Answer: Using padding and careful positioning to prevent fractures and pressure injuries
Osteoporotic bones are highly susceptible to fracture under pressure; meticulous padding and gentle positioning are essential to prevent injury.