Clinical cases.
Board-style scenarios across every domain the ABA tests. Each case includes the stem you'll be presented, the focus of questioning, and an expert sample response.
24 cases
- AirwayCA-2
Difficult Airway: Supraglottic Mass
A 68 y.o. patient with a large supraglottic mass and limited neck extension. Test your awake fiberoptic vs. tracheostomy decision logic.
- CardiacCA-2
CABG & MVR: Acute HF
Quadruple CABG and MVR in a morbidly obese patient with recent MI and IABP support.
- OBCA-3 / Fellow
OB: Emergent C-Section
Primigravida at 36 weeks with pre-eclampsia and heavy bleeding. Navigate the difficult OB airway and fetal distress logic.
- VascularCA-2
Vascular: Ruptured AAA
Emergency repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Manage cross-clamp physiology and massive transfusion protocols.
- PediatricsCA-1
Peds: Pyloric Stenosis
6-week-old infant for pyloromyotomy. Focus on electrolyte optimization and aspiration risk.
- NeuroCA-2
Neuro: Posterior Fossa Crani
Sitting position for tumor resection. Manage VAE risk and brain relaxation logic.
- PediatricsCA-3 / Fellow
4 y.o. Trauma Craniotomy
Pediatric neuro-trauma logic involving Cushing's reflex, increased ICP management, and rapid sequence induction in the full-stomach child.
- NeuroCA-1
Orbit Decompression & Myasthenia
Managing neuromuscular junction pathology in the setting of acute ophthalmic trauma and full stomach risks.
- VascularCA-3 / Fellow
Urgent Carotid Endarterectomy
Cerebral protection strategy, blood pressure management, and carotid sinus reflex logic during urgent vascular repair.
- Critical CareCA-3 / Fellow
Post-Op Septic Shock & ARDS
Critical care mastery involving lung-protective ventilation, pressor selection, and surgical source control timing.
- ThoracicCA-2
Left Pneumonectomy: COPD & One-Lung Ventilation (OLV)
Thoracic logic involving quantitative PFT interpretation, hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, and acute-on-chronic respiratory failure.
- HematologyCA-3 / Fellow
GI Bleed & ESLD: Child-Pugh C
Hematologic mastery in the setting of end-stage liver disease, focused on coagulopathy and portopulmonary hypertension.
- GeneralCA-1
Lap Chole & End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Metabolic Logic
General specialty scenario focusing on electrolyte optimization, diabetic autonomic neuropathy, and chronic organ failure.
- TraumaCA-3 / Fellow
Splenic Laceration & C-Collar
High-acuity trauma logic involving cervical spine instability, full-stomach Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI), and massive transfusion priorities.
- RegionalCA-2
82 y.o. Hip Fracture: Regional Logic
Foundational orthopedic scenario balancing Neuraxial vs. General anesthesia in the frail elderly with dementia.
- EndocrineCA-2
Pheochromocytoma Resection
Classic endocrine surgery requiring precise hemodynamic management and a solid understanding of adrenergic physiology.
- Critical CareCA-3 / Fellow
Malignant Hyperthermia Crisis
High-stakes metabolic emergency management. Test your rapid response, Dantrolene pharmacology, and situational leadership.
- CardiacCA-2
Critical Aortic Stenosis: Hip Repair
85 y.o. with symptomatic AS for urgent hip surgery. Balance the risk of spinal hypotension vs. general anesthesia.
- ThoracicCA-2
Anterior Mediastinal Mass: Biopsy
Positional stridor and a large chest mass. Defend your choice for spontaneous ventilation vs. RSI.
- PediatricsCA-3 / Fellow
Neonatal CDH: Stabilization
Newborn with scaphoid abdomen and respiratory distress. Manage the 'Gentle Ventilation' logic.
- OBCA-2
Eclamptic Seizure & Mag Toxicity
Navigate a sudden intraoperative seizure and the subsequent management of magnesium overdose.
- AirwayCA-3 / Fellow
Airway: The CICO Disaster
Morbidly obese patient for emergency surgery. Navigate the failed intubation and failed LMA transition to a surgical airway.
- TraumaCA-2
Trauma: MTP & The Lethal Triad
Manage a massive transfusion in a trauma patient and troubleshoot sudden hemodynamic collapse due to electrolyte shifts.
- RegionalCA-2
Rib Fractures: The Pulmonary Spiral
80 y.o. with multiple rib fractures. Defend your regional strategy to prevent pneumonia and mechanical ventilation.