CSFA study plan

Map the full preoperative timeline (scheduling through transfer to OR) into a one-page flow diagram from memory

Differentiate ASA physical status classes and common comorbidities that alter intraoperative risk

List the required elements of a valid informed consent and identify three scenarios requiring surgeon clarification

Explain aloud, without notes, the rationale for immediate preoperative orders: NPO intervals, prophylactic antibiotic timing, and skin prep

Build a 20-item self-quiz on preoperative patient assessment and scoring of skin/positioning risk

Sequence the steps of a surgical scrub, gowning, and gloving, and self-audit each step against a written checklist

Identify breaches in sterile technique from 10 written scenarios and state the corrective action for each

Compare four surgical positions (supine, Trendelenburg, lateral, prone) by pressure points, padding, and physiologic effects

Label the layers of the abdominal wall and name the closure layers used for a midline laparotomy

Draft a positioning-and-prepping quick-reference card for the three most common general surgery cases

Demonstrate and describe instrument handling, loading, and anticipation of surgeon needs for 15 core instruments

Explain the principles of electrosurgery, including monopolar versus bipolar use and three safety hazards

Outline hemostasis techniques in order: pressure, packing, clamp-and-tie, ligature, topical agents

Describe suture selection by tissue type and list suture/needle characteristics used for fascia, bowel, and skin

Practice instrument passing and one- and two-handed knot tying on a bench trainer for 30 minutes across the week

Sequence intraoperative specimen handling, labeling, and handoff, and identify three common documentation errors

Describe the phases of wound healing and match each phase to what the first assistant observes in the wound

Outline the immediate postoperative transfer-of-care report using a structured handoff format

Compare drain types and state indications, monitoring parameters, and removal criteria for each

Complete a timed 50-question mixed set covering Domains 1 and 2 and review every missed item to a written explanation

Classify surgical wounds (clean, clean-contaminated, contaminated, dirty) and state the corresponding infection risk

Differentiate wound dehiscence, evisceration, seroma, hematoma, and infection by presentation and first response

Explain dressing selection and change frequency for primary, secondary, and delayed primary intention wounds

Describe suture and staple removal timing by body site and the signs of a wound ready for closure removal

Build a 15-item flashcard deck on postoperative wound complications and self-test to 90% accuracy

Outline postoperative monitoring of vital signs, fluid balance, and pain, and state thresholds that require escalation

Rehearse the assessment and first-assistant response for three postoperative emergencies (hemorrhage, respiratory compromise, malignant hyperthermia sequelae)

Explain postoperative patient education points for wound care, activity, and follow-up, in plain language

Re-read Domain 1 weak areas flagged in the Week 4 correction log and rewrite those notes

Complete a 40-question Domain 3 set and log the two lowest-scoring subtopics

Identify the fire triangle elements in the OR and state the response for an airway fire versus a non-airway fire

Explain surgical count procedure, including which items are counted, when counts occur, and the steps for a discrepant count

Describe correct handling and labeling of specimens and medications on the sterile field to prevent error

Outline documentation, consent, and scope-of-practice responsibilities of the surgical first assistant

List three regulatory or accreditation standards that govern OR safety and state what each requires

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under exam-day conditions and record scores by domain

Rank your four domains from weakest to strongest using practice-exam data and re-drill the weakest two

Review the cumulative correction log and restate each missed concept in one sentence without notes

Recite the key facts sheet (counts, antibiotic timing, suture removal, wound classification) from memory in under 10 minutes

Finalize exam-day logistics: test site or platform check, ID requirements, and a timed schedule for the final 48 hours