Examination
The ABSA, Certification Examination for Surgical Assistants is comprised of 200 multiple-choice questions, covering all surgical disciplines and all areas of perioperative medicine. The examination evaluates candidate knowledge of surgical anatomy, procedures and techniques, diagnostic studies, emergency situations, OSHA regulations and general patient safety.
To successfully pass the examination, the candidate must score a minimum of 70% on each section,
General Knowledge Examination Section
The general knowledge section of the examination is comprised of 180 multiple-choice type questions, covering all areas of perioperative medicine and all surgical disciplines.
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The general knowledge section of the examination consists of 180 multiple choice questions, covering all areas of perioperative medicine and all surgical disciplines.
The questions are derived, generally, from the following outline.
- General Surgery
- Surgical Anatomy
- Abdomen
- Abdominal Walls
- Esophagogastrointestinal Tract
- Gallbladder
- Liver
- Spleen
- Surgical Considerations
- Blood Supply to the Gut
- Great Vessels
- Pelvis
- Muscles
- Vascular Structures
- Ureters
- Thorax
- Breasts
- Ribs & Muscles
- Lungs
- Mediastinum
- Sympathetic Chain
- Surgical Procedures
- Cholecystectomy
- Gastrectomy
- Appendectomy
- Hernia Repairs
- Surgical & Procedural Terminology
- Gynecological Surgery
- Surgical Anatomy
- Uterus & Adnexa
- Placenta
- Vagina
- Surgical Procedures
- Abdominal Hysterectomy
- Caesarean Section
- Anterior & Posterior Repairs of Vagina
- Surgical & Procedural Terminology
- Urological Surgery
- Surgical Anatomy
- Kidneys & Ureters
- Bladder
- Prostate
- External Genitalia (male & female)
- Surgical Procedures
- Bladder Catherization
- Bladder Suspensions
- Nephrectomy
- Renal Transplantation
- Surgical & Procedural Terminology
- Cardio-thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Anatomy
- Sternum
- Diaphragm
- Heart
- Coronary Arteries
- Valves
- Congenital Defects
- Cardiac Equipment (general knowledge of function)
- Heart-Lung Machine & Cardiac Cannulation
- Cell Saver
- Intra-aortic Balloon Pump
- Defibrillator
- External Pacemaker
- Surgical Procedures
- Mitral & Aortic Valve Replacement
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
- Surgical & Procedural Terminology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Surgical Anatomy
- Superior Extremities
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Forearm
- Wrist
- Hand
- Inferior Extremities
- Fractures
- Surgical Procedures
- Total Hip Replacement
- Total Knee Replacement
- ACL Reconstruction
- Cast Applications
- Surgical & Procedural Terminology
- Neurological Surgery
- Surgical Anatomy
- Head
- Skull
- Brain
- Cranial Nerves
- Vertebral Column
- Cervical Spine
- Thoracic Spine
- Lumbar Spine
- Sacrum & Coccyx
- Spinal Cord
- Surgical Procedures
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy
- Lumbar Laminectomy
- Surgical & Procedural Terminology
- EKG Interpretation
- Normal Sinus Rhythm
- Atrial Arrhythmias
- Sinus Bradycardia
- Sinus Tachycardia
- Sinus Arrhythmia
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Ventricular Arrhythmias
- Ventricular Tachycardia
- Premature Ventricular Contractions
- Ventricular Fibrillation
- Laboratory Data
- Normal Values
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Serum Electrolytes
- Arterial Blood Gas
- Urinalysis
- Critical Values
- Serum Potassium
- Oxygen Saturation
- Radiological Interpretations
- X-ray
- Hip
- Wrist
- Intra-operative Cholangiograms
- MRI
- Brain
- Cervical Spine
- Lumbar Spine
- Shoulder
- Hip
- Knee
- Surgical & Procedural Terminology
- Microbiology
- Asepsis & Infection Control
- Hepatitis
- HIV / AIDS
- Wound Healing
- Sterilization Techniques
- High-Speed Steam Sterilization
- Cold Sterilization (Liquid)
- General Operating Room Knowledge
- Patient Safety
- Moving & Positioning
- Restraint
- Transportation
- Psychological
- General Operating Room Equipment
- Electrocautery Devices
- Suctions
- Warming Blankets
- OSHA Regulations, HIPAA Regulations & Personal Safety
- Government Regulations regarding Patient Information & Privacy Issues
- Operative Consent
- Personal Protection
- Glasses
- Gowns, Gloves & Masks
- Handling of Biologicals
- Fire & Safety in the Operating Room Environment
Key Benefits
- This section of multiple-choice type questions, allows the ABSA to evaluate a candidate's general knowledge, in all surgical disciplines.
- This section requires a candidate to possess more than just a superficial knowledge, of surgical medicine.
- This section permits a candidate to have validation of their knowledge, of surgical medicine , by means of a structured examination process.
The specialty section of the examination further evaluates advanced knowledge of surgical practice and assisting, by requiring completion of 20 very detailed multiple-choice type questions, with respect to a candidate selected surgical procedure.
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The specialty section of the examination consists of a 20 very detailed multiple-choice questions regarding a candidate selected surgical procedure. Required items consist of, but are not limited to, each of the following:
Correct Medical, Surgical and Procedural Terminology
Pre-operative Diagnosis
Positioning, Prepping and Draping of the Patient
Type of Incision
Surgical Procedure and Tissue Handling
Potential Intra-operative Complications and Actions
Wound Closure and Suture Selection
Dressings
The following is a list of ABSA selected surgical procedures from which you must select one, at the time of application.
Cholecystectomy
Carotid Endartarectomy
Caesarean Section
Total Knee Replacement
Lumbar Discectomy
Open Heart Surgery
Note: These are the only choices available and allow no substitutions.
Key Benefits
- This specialty section permits the ABSA to evaluate, in very detailed form, a candidate's chosen area of expertise.
- This section allows the candidate to select a surgical specialty, for in depth examination.
- This section is utilized in place of an oral examination, which is often considered subjective in nature.
Practical Examination Section
The practical examination section examines manual skills and permits the ABSA to evaluate the candidate, in areas that do not readily lend themselves to written examination.
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The practical section of the examination evaluates the candidate's ability to competently and smoothly perform tying and suturing.
The following is a list of the items that will be evaluated, by an ABSA designated examiner, at the testing center:
To open the Practical Examination Skills Form Click Here
One Handed Tying
Two Handed Tying
Instrument Tying
Deep Tying
Tying Under Tension
Surgeons Knot
Figure-of-Eight Stitch
Simple Running Stitch
Mattress Stitch
Running Subcuticular Stitch
Key Benefits
- This section allows the ABSA to evaluate the candidate's manual skills.
- The candidate has the opportunity to demonstrate their ability, to competently and smoothly perform tying and suturing.
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