CVA - Certified Veterinary Assistant Surgical and Laboratory Assisting Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following surgical instruments is specifically designed for cutting tough, heavy tissues like fascia?

Accepted Answer

Mayo scissors

Answer

Metzenbaum scissors

Answer

Iris scissors

Answer

Lister bandage scissors

Question 2

A CVA is tasked with preparing a surgical pack for sterilization in a gravity displacement autoclave. Which of the following time and temperature parameters is the recognized minimum for achieving sterility for wrapped instruments?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes at 121°C (250°F)

Answer

15 minutes at 132°C (270°F)

Answer

30 minutes at 110°C (230°F)

Answer

4 minutes at 121°C (250°F)

Question 3

When performing a fecal flotation using a standard salt or sugar solution, what scientific principle allows the parasite eggs to be separated from the fecal debris?

Accepted Answer

Specific Gravity

Answer

Sedimentation

Answer

Osmosis

Answer

Agglutination

Question 4

During a surgical procedure, the sterile-gowned surgeon asks the CVA, who is acting as a non-sterile circulator, for more sterile saline to moisten a laparotomy sponge. What is the proper procedure for the CVA to pour the saline into a sterile bowl on the instrument stand?

Accepted Answer

Remove the cap and pour the saline into the bowl without the bottle touching the sterile field.

Answer

Remove the cap, hold the bottle high over the bowl, and pour quickly.

Answer

Touch the bottle lip to the inside of the sterile bowl to avoid splashing.

Answer

Wipe the top of the bottle with a sterile gauze before pouring.

Question 5

A CVA is assisting with a urinalysis and is asked to measure the urine specific gravity (USG). Which instrument is the most accurate tool for this measurement in a clinical setting?

Accepted Answer

Refractometer

Answer

Urine dipstick

Answer

Centrifuge

Answer

Pipette

Question 6

When placing the final, large fenestrated drape over a patient that has already been squared-off with four smaller drapes, which action would be considered a break in sterile technique?

Accepted Answer

Shifting the drape from the periphery toward the center of the surgical site after placement.

Answer

Unfolding the drape away from the surgical site without shaking it.

Answer

Securing the drape to the underlying drapes with penetrating towel clamps.

Answer

Ensuring the drape extends over the sides of the operating table.