Preparing for the CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assistant) exam? Physiology is one of the areas our deck drills hardest: 50 of its 1050 flashcards focus on physiology, covering topics like Starling Law, FRC, Functional Residual Capacity. Try the sample questions below — every card is a real question-and-answer pair from the full deck.
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During a CABG, the surgeon requests a volume challenge to increase cardiac output. According to the Frank-Starling Law, how does increasing preload enhance stroke volume?
Show answer →Increasing preload (venous return) increases the end-diastolic volume (EDV), which stretches the myocardial fibers. This stretch optimizes the actin-myosin cross-bridge overlap, increasing the force of contraction. Key Exam Point: The relationship is linear only up to an optimal point; overstretching (as in fluid overload or CHF) can lead to a decrease in stroke volume. SFA Strategy: NBSTSA often tests the optimal stretch concept in the context of intraoperative fluid resuscitation and the management of hypovolemia.
During GA in the supine position, what is the primary reason for the reduction in Functional Residual Capacity (FRC), and by what percentage does it typically decrease?
Show answer →FRC decreases by approximately 20% immediately upon induction of general anesthesia and supine positioning. The primary mechanism is the cephalad displacement of the diaphragm by abdominal contents and the loss of inspiratory muscle tone. Clinical Pearl: This reduction is even more pronounced in obese patients or those in Trendelenburg position. NBSTSA Exam Tip: Recognize that a decreased FRC leads to atelectasis and shunting, which is why PEEP (Positive End-Expiratory Pressure) is often utilized by the anesthesia provider to maintain alveolar recruitment intraoperatively.
During a total gastrectomy, the surgeon must ligate the primary blood supply to the lesser curvature. Which artery, arising directly from the celiac trunk, provides the majority of this supply, and what is the physiological risk of inadvertent ligation of the hepatic artery?
Show answer →The Left Gastric Artery is the largest branch of the celiac trunk and supplies the lesser curvature. Inadvertent ligation of the Hepatic Artery (specifically the Common Hepatic) can lead to liver necrosis or gallbladder ischemia. NBSTSA Focus: CSFA candidates must identify vascular landmarks to avoid devascularization of unintended organs. Distractor: The Right Gastric Artery also supplies the lesser curvature but usually arises from the Proper Hepatic Artery.
During a renal artery stenosis repair, the CSFA knows that decreased perfusion to the juxtaglomerular apparatus triggers the release of what enzyme to initiate systemic blood pressure regulation?
Show answer →Renin. It is secreted by juxtaglomerular cells in response to low BP, sympathetic stimulation, or low NaCl delivery to the macula densa. Renin converts Angiotensinogen to Angiotensin I. This initiates the RAAS cascade, eventually producing Angiotensin II (a potent vasoconstrictor) and Aldosterone (sodium/water retainer). NBSTSA Exam Tip: Distinguish between the trigger (hypoperfusion) and the effect (vasoconstriction/volume expansion). Common distractor: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE), which acts in the lungs, not the kidney.
A trauma patient with extensive crush injuries is scheduled for debridement. Which electrolyte abnormality is most likely to cause intraoperative cardiac arrhythmias, and what is the characteristic EKG change?
Show answer →Hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.5 mEq/L). EKG: Peaked T-waves, widened QRS, and flattened P-waves. Rationale: Cell lysis in crush injuries or burns releases massive amounts of intracellular potassium into the extracellular fluid. CSFA Tip: NBSTSA often tests the peaked T-wave as the earliest sign of toxicity. Treatment includes IV calcium gluconate (to stabilize the myocardium), insulin with glucose (to shift K+ intracellularly), or sodium bicarbonate. Persistent hyperkalemia may require emergent dialysis.
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Try 30 free CSFA cards firstThe full CSFA deck contains 1050 flashcards, and 50 of them focus on physiology. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CSFA deck dedicates 50 of 1050 cards (5%) to physiology — always cross-check the official NBSTSA exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the CSFA preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1050 cards is a one-time $7.
Anatomy
70 cards
Basics
70 cards
Legal
40 cards
Management
100 cards
Pathology
50 cards
Pharmacology
60 cards
Procedures
560 cards
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