Download NCCSA CSA EXAM STUDY GUIDE and more Lecture notes Chemistry in PDF only on Docsity!
NCCSA CSA EXAM STUDY GUIDE
The NCCSA exam is written by tenured CSA’s and verified by physicians. A psychometrician then checks exam for form. We have worked with several of the NCCSA approved Surgical Assisting Programs to develop questions that coincide with their curriculum.
SURGICAL ANATOMY : Anatomy is one of the most important components of this examination. Approximately one-third of the questions on this exam refer to the Anatomy Diagrams listed in our references at the end of this study guide.
This study guide reviews each section of the exam.
STUDY GUIDE
1. ANATOMY-HEART: Base and Posteroinferior
Suggestions: To study for this section, review heart anatomy using plate number 210 of Netter’s (ref.1), or any Netter’s edition with the plate for Heart: Base and Postero-inferior. This section is not an inclusive category of the heart or thorax. It is important to note that this section does not focus on procedures. It is strictly identification of the various parts of the Heart: Base and Posteroinferior.
[ IMPORTANT ] Know all detailed anatomy as is shown on this plate. Each question has four answers with only one most correct. Anatomy only. As is with most of the CSA exam, the most correct answer is about surgical anatomy.
[ IMPORTANT ] Surgical anatomy is such anatomy identified, step by step, in a surgical procedure. EXAMPLE: What is the best answer for an important nerve to be avoided in the next layer of dissection?
2. ANATOMY-THYROID and ANTERIOR VIEW Head and Neck
Suggestions: To study for this section, review the anatomy of the thyroid and head and neck using Netter plate number 70 (ref.1), or any Netter’s edition with the plate for Thyroid and Anterior View Head and Neck. Questions in this section are inclusive of head and neck surgery.
Know all detailed anatomy as is shown on this plate. Each question has four answers with only one most correct. As is with most of the CSA exam the most correct answer is about surgical anatomy. Surgical anatomy is such anatomy identified step by step in a surgical procedure.
EXAMPLE: the best answer for an important nerve to be avoided in the next layer of dissection.
4. ANATOMY-PELVIC VISCERA: FEMALE
Suggestions: To study for this section, review the detailed anatomy of the female pelvis using Netter (ref.1) plate number 354, or any Netter’s edition with the plate for Pelvic Viscera: Female. Anatomy only.
Know all detailed anatomy, as is shown on this plate. Each question has four answers, with only one most correct. As is with most of the CSA exam, the most correct answer is about surgical anatomy. Surgical anatomy is such anatomy identified, step by step, in a surgical procedure. EXAMPLE: the best answer for an important nerve to be avoided in the next layer of dissection.
5. CARDIAC Peripheral Vascular and Thoracic
Suggestions: To study for this section, keep in mind your training and experience. Review using Alexander’s (ref.2), pages 360, 996, 1043, 1054, 1063, 1105, 1224, 1346. Review using Surgical Recall (ref.3) pages 3, 5, and all of chapters 59, 63, 64, and 65. (Note: if you are unable to obtain this specific version of Alexander’s, please note the subject and study those areas within the edition you are able to obtain)
SAMPLE QUESTIONS :
Where do dermoid cysts occur in the mediastinum? a) Posterior b) Anterior c) Lateral d) None of the above
When does most of the coronary blood flow take place? a) During diastole (66%) b) 80%systole c) Never d) SVR
What artery is most commonly occluded with subclavian steal syndrome? a) Right subclavian b) Left subclavian c) Right carotid d) Internal jugular
6. ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
Suggestions: To study for this section, keep in mind your experience. Do not over study. Remember, orthopedic surgery, general surgery and cardiothoracic include a large percentage of your experience in surgery. Other sections cover detailed anatomy of the knee, hip, and spine. Review, as a general over view: Campbell’s (ref.4). Review Surgical Recall (ref.3), all of chapter 66. Review Alexander’s (ref. 2) 871, 896, 902, 215, 921. (Note: if you are unable to obtain this specific version of Alexander’s, please note the subject and study those areas within the edition you are able to obtain)
SAMPLE QUESTIONS :
Why do many orthopedic surgeons prefer the anterior approach to total hip surgery? a) Looks nice b) Easy to staple c) Less dislocation d) Facial ID
What is NOT used usually on a total hip post operatively? a) Plaster b) Abduction device c) Knee immobilizer d) None of above
Define Charcot’s joint? a) Tendinitis of lateral epicondyle b) Joint arthritis due to peripheral neuropathy c) Hyperextension of great toe d) A special pediatric cast
Children-fractures: Define Salter II a) Through physeal plate only b) Involves physis and metaphysis c) No fractures but “false” fracture d) Green stick type
8. PHYSIOLOGY-WOUND HEALING
Suggestions: To study for this section, review in Alexander’s (ref.2) page 281 and review in Surgical Recall (ref.3) chapters 11, 19, 21, and 23. Do not over study. Surgical anatomy is the emphasis in assisting.
SAMPLE QUESTION :
- How long until a sutured wound epithelializes? a) 10 days b) Postoperative day 4 c) Postoperative day 7 d) 48 hours
Summary: Use your training/education in physiology, as well as proper care and handling of tissues is covered in this section.
9. PHYSIOLOGY-Lab Values
Suggestions: To study for this section, review in Alexander’s 13TH^ Edition pages 31, 303, 304, 985, and 1173, (If you cannot obtain this particular edition of Alexander’s, please study the chapter(s) on Physiology-Lab Values) and in Surgical Recall (ref.3) chapters 13, 14, 16, and 58.
SAMPLE QUESTION :
- What is the 35-45 Rule of blood gas values? a) pH 45.5-45.5 Pco 35. b) pH 7.35-7.45 Pco 35- c) pH 4.45-4. d) Pco 35.
Summary: Remember that while this section is important to the total practice of a CSA, surgical anatomy is the most important.
10. GENERAL SURGERY
Suggestions: To study for the General Surgery section, review all of Zollinger (ref.5). Also review General Surgery of Alexander’s (ref. 2). Review Surgical Recall (ref3) Section II and chapters 3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, and 26. Remember, as you review the General Surgery section of the exam, note that it covers many subjects, including pre op and post op care, trauma, burns, endosurgery, VS, head and neck, and plastic surgery, as well as many other procedures.
The emphasis is on surgical anatomy and procedures. Use your experience and training to study for this section.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS :
Tips for driving the camera during endosurgery? a) Watch the nurse b) Keep the camera centered on the action c) Help pass instruments d) Clean faster by touching the lens to bowel
What is a hernia through the linea semilunaris or a spontaneous lateral ventral hernia? a) Spigelian hernia b) Internal Visceral hernia c) Grynfeltt’s hernia d) Big hernia
Which muscle crosses the common carotid proximally? a) Superior thyroidal b) Omohyoid c) Facial d) Digastric
How often does ultrasound detect cholelithiasis? a) Never b) 20% of the time c) More than 90% of the time d) 50% of the time
What is proper care of tissues and good assisting? a) Knowing the differences in handling skin, bowel, fascia b) Helping pass instruments c) Not washing op site d) Talking
Summary: Note that detailed general surgery anatomy questions using structures shown in Netter’s (ref.1) are in other sections.
11. ANATOMY- HEART IN SITU
Suggestions: To study for this section, review Netter (ref.1) plate number 207, or any Netter’s edition that includes the plate for Heart in Situ. If you are proficient in hearts, then do not over study. If you do not do hearts, then indeed, review all in detail of Netter’s (ref.1) plate 207. Anatomy only.
Know all detailed anatomy as is shown on this plate. Anatomy only. Each question has four answers with only one most correct. As is with most of the CSA exam, the most correct answer is about surgical anatomy. Surgical anatomy is such anatomy identified, step by step, in a surgical procedure. EXAMPLE: the best answer for an important nerve to be avoided in the next layer of dissection.
13. ANATOMY-URETERS
Suggestions: This section is detailed anatomy. To study for this section, review Netter’s (ref.1) plate number 327, or any Netter’s edition that includes the plate Ureters.
Know all detailed anatomy as is shown on this plate. Each question has four answers with only one most correct. As is with most of the CSA exam, the most correct answer is about surgical anatomy. Surgical anatomy is such anatomy identified, step by step, in a surgical procedure. EXAMPLE: the best answer for an important nerve to be avoided in the next layer of dissection.
14. PHYSIOLOGY-Organ Systems
Suggestions: To study for this section, remember your training and review Surgical Recall (ref.3) chapter 13, 19, 20, 27, 50, 58.
SAMPLE QUESTION :
- What is Cushing’s disease? a) Staphylococcus b) Active PHP in PVR c) Cushings Syndrome covered by excess of ACTH by anterior pituitary d) Superficial infection of the breast
Summary: This section is included to insure a well-balanced exam.
15. PHYSIOLOGY-BLOOD
Suggestions: To study for this section, review Surgical Recall (ref.3) chapter 14.
SAMPLE QUESTION :
- What electrolyte is most likely to fall with the infusion of stored blood? a) Ionized Ca; the citrate preservative binds serum calcium b) Hbg c) K+ d) Factor VIII
Summary: This section requires that you have appropriate knowledge and training in chemistry and physiology.
16. PHARMACOLOGY
Suggestions: To study for this section, use your training and education, and review Surgical Recall (ref.3) chapters 13, 16, and 25.
SAMPLE QUESTION :
- What do first-, second-, third-, generation cephalosporin refer to in regard to spectrum? a) Gram negative activity b) Atelectasis c) Long term coagulation d) Short term analgesia
Summary: A working knowledge of pharmacology is important.
17. PHYSIOLOGY-ELECTROLYTES AND VOLUME REPLACEMENT
Suggestions: To study for this section, review chapters 13, 20, and 25 of Surgical Recall (ref.3).
SAMPLE QUESTION :
- What is a bolus? a) A blood clot b) A volume of fluid given IV in rapid manner c) Slow injections d) Fatty tumor
Summary: The properly trained surgical assistant should have knowledge and training in this area.
21. UROLOGY
Suggestions: Urology is very important in human physiology. The formation of urine is very critical to health. However, many procedures are done endoscopically. To study for this section, review Surgical Recall (ref.3) chapter 68.
SAMPLE QUESTION :
- What is Uysuria? a) Urination more than usual b) Urinating exactly 6 times a day c) Varicocele d) Painful urination
Summary: Also refer to URETERS section of this Study Guide.
22. NEUROSURGERY-CRANIAL
Suggestions: To study for this section, review Surgical Recall (ref.3) chapter 67. Neurosurgery is a very specialized service.
SAMPLE QUESTION :
- What is intracerebral hemorrhage?
a) Bleeding into the spinal area b) Cranial bone fissure c) Spinal epidural abscess d) Bleeding into the brain parenchyma
23. ENT
Suggestions: ENT is a very specialized service. However, many assistants are only called for head and neck procedures. Some of this service includes dental, oral, and facial surgery. To study for this section, review the section Thyroid Gland: Anterior view, plus review chapter 62 of Surgical Recall (ref.3)
SAMPLE QUESTION :
- What is a LeFort II? a) Middle ear type II infection b) Same as LaFort I c) Tietze’s syndrome d) Fracture through frontal process of maxilla, orbital floor, and pterygoid plate
24. TRAUMA
Suggestions: Trauma is a very involved service with GS, VS, transplant, Ortho, Neuro, cardiothoracic, and more. However most “Trauma” surgeons are GS/VS and have many residents and fellows. To study for this section review Surgical Recall (ref.3) chapters 31and 58 and review in Alexander’s (ref.2) page 1346.
SAMPLE QUESTION :
- What is the treatment for minor pancreatic injury? a) Thoracic incisions b) Open resection c) Closed resection d) Drainage …., JP
Summary: If you are lucky to be a part of a trauma service, enjoy!
25. LEGAL, ETHICAL, SAFETY
Suggestions: To study for this section, review Alexander’s (ref.2) (If you cannot obtain this particular edition of Alexander’s, please study the chapter(s) on Legal, Ethical and Safety) on these issues and in Surgical Recall (ref.3) chapter 12.
SAMPLE QUESTION :
- Who is captain of the ship? a) Chief of surgery b) RN in charge c) Operating surgeon d) DON
26. ANATOMY-KNEE: Posterior and Sagittal
Suggestions: Note that this section is detailed anatomy of the Knee, but is posterior and sagittal. To study for this section, review Netter’s (ref.1) plate number 493, or any Netter’s edition that includes the plate for Knee: Posterior and Sagittal. Orthopedic surgical anatomy is involved.
Know all detailed anatomy as is shown on this plate. Each question has four answers with only one most correct. As is with most of the CSA exam, the most correct answer is about surgical anatomy. Surgical anatomy is such anatomy identified, step by step, in a surgical procedure. EXAMPLE: the best answer for an important nerve to be avoided in the next layer of dissection.
