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Surgical Assisting and Minor Surgery Flashcards

6 cards from real RMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Surgical Assisting and Minor Surgery flashcards as text

  1. What is the primary purpose of using sterile technique during a minor surgical procedure?

    Answer: To prevent introduction of microorganisms that could cause infection at the surgical site

    Sterile technique prevents contamination of the sterile field and surgical site with microorganisms, thereby reducing the risk of surgical site infection (SSI).

  2. Which suture material is ABSORBABLE and does not require removal?

    Answer: Polyglycolic acid (Dexon)

    Polyglycolic acid (Dexon) and other synthetic absorbable sutures such as polyglactin (Vicryl) are broken down by hydrolysis in the body over time and do not require removal.

  3. When setting up a sterile field for a minor procedure, which action would CONTAMINATE the field?

    Answer: Reaching across or above the sterile field

    Reaching across or above the sterile field risks contamination because non-sterile clothing, skin, or hair may contact or shed microorganisms onto the sterile field.

  4. Which local anesthetic is most commonly used for minor office procedures such as laceration repair and skin biopsies?

    Answer: Lidocaine (Xylocaine)

    Lidocaine (Xylocaine) is the most widely used local anesthetic for minor office procedures due to its rapid onset (within 5 minutes), effectiveness, and favorable safety profile.

  5. When assisting with the removal of a skin lesion, the medical assistant should prepare which type of container for the specimen?

    Answer: A formalin-filled (10% neutral buffered formalin) container

    Tissue specimens sent for histopathological analysis (biopsy) are preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF), which fixes the tissue and prevents cellular decomposition.

  6. After a minor surgical procedure, what instructions should the medical assistant provide to the patient regarding wound care?

    Answer: Keep the wound dry for the first 24–48 hours, keep it clean, and watch for signs of infection

    Standard post-procedure wound care includes keeping the wound dry for the first 24–48 hours, then gently cleaning it, keeping it covered with a clean dressing, and monitoring for signs of infection.