AST Practice Test - Part 1 Of 2
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250 question practice exam for AST certification. Topics covered are basic sciences, preoperative patient care, preoperative case management, intraoperative case management, postoperative case management, surgical specialties/procedures, and ancillary functions. Part 1: questions 1-135
- 1.In an inguinal herniorrhaphy the spermatic cord is
- A.
Ligated with a hemoclip
- B.
Retracted witha Penrose drain
- C.
Incised for ease of access
- D.
Clamped with a Kelly
- 2.Polyglycolic acid sutures are
- A.
Absorbed by an enzyme action
- B.
Absorbed by the process of hydrolysis
- C.
Nonabsorbable
- D.
Encapsulated by body tissue
- 3.The pounds of pressure necessary in a flash steam sterilizer set at 270F is
- A.
15
- B.
17
- C.
20
- D.
27
- 4.A patient is having elective surgery. The nurse notes that her white cell count is 14,000 cu mm. This would indicate
- A.
There may be an inflammation or infection present
- B.
The count is within normal range, and surgery can proceed
- C.
The count is below normal
- D.
There may be an anemic condition present, and surgery should be canceled
- 5.Distal refers to
- A.
Closer to the body
- B.
Away from the body
- C.
In the center of the body
- D.
Toward the feet
- 6.Meckel's diverticulum is found in the
- A.
Esophagus
- B.
Sigmoid colon
- C.
Ileum
- D.
Duodenum
- 7.In which case would a Frazier suction be used?
- A.
Eye
- B.
Ear
- C.
Gynecology
- D.
General
- 8.Airborne contamination is reduced by recirculation of filtered outside air at a rate of
- A.
12 air exchanges per minute
- B.
12 air exchanges per hour
- C.
20 air exchanges per minute
- D.
25 air exchanges per hour
- 9.The purpose of OSHA is to
- A.
Ensure safe and healthful working conditions
- B.
Provide a mechanism for peer review
- C.
Establish quality assurance
- D.
Provide standards of patient care
- 10.
- A.
Wrapping child in plastic materials
- B.
Warming blanket
- C.
Increasing room temperature
- D.
Hot water bottles
- 11.If a family is contacted but cannot come in to sign a permission for emergency surgery, the surgeon should
- A.
Wait until they arrive
- B.
Accept permission by phone, telegram, or in written communication
- C.
Ask another physician to sign
- D.
Refuse to do the case
- 12.
- A.
3 minutes
- B.
5 minutes
- C.
7 minutes
- D.
10 minutes
- 13.A retention suture passes through all fo the following EXCEPT
- A.
Mesentary tissue
- B.
Rectus muscle
- C.
Fascial tissue
- D.
Subcutaneous tissue
- 14.
- A.
Direct
- B.
Indiret
- C.
Pantaloon
- D.
Sliding
- 15.Dead space is the space
- A.
That has no blood supply
- B.
Caused by separation of wound edges that have not been closely approximated
- C.
Where the tissue has been approximated with sutures
- D.
Where the suture line has broken down
- 16.
- A.
5 minutes
- B.
10 minutes
- C.
20 minutes
- D.
30 minutes
- 17.Funnel chest is also known as
- A.
Pectus carinatum
- B.
Pectus excavatum
- C.
Atresia
- D.
Ramstedt-Fredet
- 18.Which term denotes low or decreased blood volume?
- A.
Anoxia
- B.
Hypovolemia
- C.
Hypoxia
- D.
Hypocapnia
- 19.Injection of contrast media into the brachial, carotid, or vertebral artery to study the intracranial vessels is called
- A.
Myelography
- B.
Pneumoencephalography
- C.
Computed axial tomography (CAT) scan
- D.
Angiography
- 20.Instruments and other items sterilized together in the flash autoclave require
- A.
3 minutes at 270F
- B.
53 minutes at 250F
- C.
10 minutes at 270F
- D.
30 minutes at 250F
- 21.Suture material that becomes encapsulated with fibrous tissue during the healing process is
- A.
Nonabsorbable suture
- B.
Absorbable suture
- C.
Synthetic absorbable suture
- D.
Gut suture
- 22.A right hemicolectomy is performed to remove pathology of the
- A.
Descending colon
- B.
Ascending colon
- C.
Sigmoid colon
- D.
Mesocolon
- 23.Dacryo refers to
- A.
Eyelid
- B.
Eyeball
- C.
Cornea
- D.
Lacrimal gland
- 24.When transporting a patient, drainage systems should be placed
- A.
At stretcher level
- B.
Below stretcher level
- C.
Above stretcher level
- D.
Optionally
- 25.
- A.
8x10x16 in
- B.
10x14x18 in
- C.
12x12x20 in
- D.
14x16x36 in
- 26.Another name for a stay suture is a(n)
- A.
Tension suture
- B.
Retention suture
- C.
Interrupted suture
- D.
Buried suture
- 27.Which two anatomic structures are ligated and divided to effect a cholecystectomy?
- A.
Common hepatic duct, common bile duct
- B.
Cystic duct, cystic artery
- C.
Common bile duct, cystic artery
- D.
Cystic duct, hepatic artery
- 28.Adeno means
- A.
Lymph
- B.
Gland
- C.
Joint
- D.
Bone
- 29.
- A.
Swift but cautious in order to get the patient to the recovery room as quickly as possible
- B.
Performed with comfort of the patient as the prime concern
- C.
Gentle and rapid so that the paitent does not wake up
- D.
Gentle and slow in order to prevent circulatory depression
- 30.In steam sterilization, the function of pressure is to
- A.
Destroy microorganisms
- B.
Increase the temperature of the steam
- C.
Lower the exposure time
- D.
Create condensation
- 31.Which of the following suture materials is not generally used in the presence of infection?
- A.
Silk
- B.
Surgical gut
- C.
Polypropylene
- D.
Stainless steel
- 32.Radical surgery done for lower sigmoid or rectal malignancy is a(n)
- A.
Wertheim's procedure
- B.
Abdominal perineal resection
- C.
Whipple procedure
- D.
Pelvic exenteration
- 33.The term for fluid or water in the ventricles of the brain is
- A.
Hydrophobia
- B.
Hydrocephalus
- C.
Hydrocele
- D.
Hydronephrosis
- 34.The patient may be left on the transport stretcher unattended
- A.
Under no circumstances
- B.
If he or she is alert and responsible
- C.
If her or she is sound asleep
- D.
If he or she can be observed by passing personnel
- 35.212 F is equivalent to
- A.
32 C
- B.
98.6 C
- C.
100 C
- D.
175 C
- 36.An anti-inflammatory drug whose effect is useful in reversing early rejection of organ transplants is
- A.
Cyclosporine
- B.
Polyclonal
- C.
Prednisone
- D.
Orthoclone
- 37.A congenital abnormality of the musculature between the stomach and the duodenum is called
- A.
Esophageal atresia
- B.
Pyloric stenosis
- C.
Intestinal atresia
- D.
Duodenal atresia
- 38.A fossa is a
- A.
Ridge
- B.
Basin-like depression
- C.
Projection
- D.
Seam
- 39.A procedure performed to treat myasthenia gravis is a(n)
- A.
Adrenalectomy
- B.
Splenectomy
- C.
Thymectomy
- D.
Parathyroidectomy
- 40.The purpose of lidocaine installation during a tracheotomy is to
- A.
Extend anesthesia
- B.
Decrease coughing
- C.
Decrease gag reflex
- D.
Reduce edema
- 41.A procedure that is done to give the bowel a rest when there is advanced inflammation is
- A.
Abdominoperineal resection (APR)
- B.
Right hemicolecomty
- C.
Anterior sigmoid resection
- D.
Temporary colostomy
- 42.A forceps used to grasp lung tissue is
- A.
Crile
- B.
Adson
- C.
Duval
- D.
Walton
- 43.Heath-sensitive items that can be completely immersed can be processed via the _____ in 30 minutes.
- A.
Ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilizer
- B.
Endoflush
- C.
Gravity displacement sterilizer
- D.
STERIS
- 44.The maximum recommended dosage of local anesthetic drug per hour is
- A.
10 mL of 1% solution
- B.
50 mL of 1% solution
- C.
150 mL of 1% solution
- D.
250 mL of 1% solution
- 45.Ischemia can be defined as
- A.
Excessive blood supply to a part
- B.
Deficient blood supply to a part
- C.
Abnormal condition of the hipbone
- D.
Abnormal condition of the ischium and the anus
- 46.The person transporting the patiet on a stretcher should
- A.
Push the stretcher from the head
- B.
Pull the stretcher by the foot
- C.
Guide the stretcher from either side
- D.
Guide the stretcher from any position that is comfortable
- 47.Activated gluteraldehyde
- A.
Is corrosive to instruments
- B.
Causes damage to lenses or the cement on lensed intruments
- C.
Is absorbed by rubber and plastic
- D.
Can be reused
- 48.A Weitlaner is a
- A.
Dissector
- B.
Grasper
- C.
Forceps
- D.
Retractor
- 49.Which part of the pancreas is the most common site of malignant tumors?
- A.
Head
- B.
Body
- C.
Tail
- D.
Splenic portion
- 50.The purpose of the two-way stopcock on a Varres needle is
- A.
To deflate pneumoperitoneum
- B.
To control gas flow
- C.
To release excess gas
- D.
To permit passage of accessory items
- 51.An abormal communication between two parts occuring in the anorectal area is called
- A.
Fissure in ano
- B.
Fistula in ano
- C.
Ischiorectal abcess
- D.
Hemorrhoid
- 52.Burn removal of tissue down to fascia where all superficial layers are denuded is called
- A.
Escharectomy
- B.
Debridement
- C.
Tangential excision
- D.
Fasciotomy
- 53.The mothod of sterilization used for liquids is
- A.
Slow exhaust
- B.
Fast exhaust
- C.
Gas
- D.
Dry heat
- 54.Medullary canal reamers are used to inset
- A.
Smith-Petersen nails
- B.
Richards nails
- C.
Jewett nails
- D.
Kuntschner nails
- 55.A protrusion of fat through an abdominal wall defect between the xiphoid process and umbilicus is a(n)
- A.
Umbilical hernia
- B.
Diaphragmatic hernia
- C.
Epigastric hernia
- D.
Spigelian hernia
- 56.The position grequently utilized in thyroid and gallbladder surgery is
- A.
Supine
- B.
Trendelenburg
- C.
Reverse Trendelenburg
- D.
Dorsal recumbent
- 57.What part of the cell is destroyed in steam sterilization?
- A.
Cell protein
- B.
Ovum
- C.
Monocyte
- D.
Basophil
- 58.Which scope has a trocar?
- A.
Cystoscope
- B.
Laparoscope
- C.
Laryngoscope
- D.
Bronchoscope
- 59.Laminar air flow provides
- A.
Ultraclean air
- B.
Controlled filter, dilution, and distrubution of air
- C.
Unidirectional positive-pressure stream of air
- D.
All of the above
- 60.A rotator cuff tear would occur in the
- A.
Hip
- B.
Shoulder
- C.
Ankle
- D.
Knee
- 61.Which position would be chosen for a pneumonectomy?
- A.
Supine
- B.
Dorsal
- C.
Lateral
- D.
Kraske
- 62.
- A.
A residual of distilled water should be left in the lumen
- B.
The lumen should be blown out with air to forcde-dry before packaging
- C.
A residual of slaine should be left in the lumen
- D.
It does not matter if it is moist or dry
- 63.A rib raspatory is a
- A.
Sauerbruck
- B.
Alexander
- C.
Josephs
- D.
Stille-Luer
- 64.A right-angled gallbaldder forceps is a
- A.
Crile
- B.
Mixter
- C.
Jackson
- D.
Rochester-Pean
- 65.A self-retaining mouth gag is a
- A.
Jennings
- B.
Hurd
- C.
Castro
- D.
Cushing
- 66.The maximum storage life for a muslin-wrapped item on open shelving is
- A.
7 days
- B.
14 days
- C.
30 days
- D.
Indefinite
- 67.How are the legs placed in the lateral position?
- A.
Both legs are straight
- B.
Both legs are bent
- C.
The lower leg is flexed with the upper leg straight
- D.
The lower leg is straight with the upper leg flexed
- 68.Which statement regarding the changing of a glove during an operation is TRUE?
- A.
Closed-glove technique is used
- B.
Open-glove technique is used
- C.
Another team member assists in regloving
- D.
Either B or C
- 69.
- A.
Ventilation provides a minimum of 20-30 aire exchanges per hour
- B.
Scavenger systems prevent buildup of anesthetic gases
- C.
Humidity is kept at 20-30%
- D.
Room temperature is 68-76 F
- 70.How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
- A.
4
- B.
5
- C.
7
- D.
12
- 71.When moving a patient form lithotomy position
- A.
Lower legs together quickly
- B.
Lower legs together slowly
- C.
Lower each leg separately and slowly
- D.
Lower each leg separately and quickly
- 72.If a sterile musiln package drops to the floor
- A.
It may never be used
- B.
It may be used if it is carefully checked
- C.
It may be used if the floor is dry
- D.
It may be used if it is dusted off
- 73.A tonsil suction is a
- A.
Young
- B.
Poole
- C.
Frazier
- D.
Yankauer
- 74.The most susceptible organ to laser injury is the
- A.
Nasopharynx
- B.
Ovaries
- C.
Testes
- D.
Eyes
- 75.The principal hazard encountered in splenectomy is
- A.
Trauma to adjacent structures
- B.
Hypertension
- C.
Hemorrhage
- D.
Poor visualization of organs
- 76.When assisting with a cast application one must
- A.
Handle cast with flat open hands
- B.
Hold plaster bandage under water horizontally to allow air bubbles to escape
- C.
Provide water in busket at body temperature
- D.
Place all rolls to by used inwater and remove as surgeon requests each
- 77.The most common postoperative complication of orthopedic surgery is
- A.
Nonunion
- B.
Osteomyelitis
- C.
Thromboembolism
- D.
Urinary tract infection
- 78.Which is an acceptable means of pouring a sterile solution onto a sterile field?
- A.
The scrub nurse holds a receptacle away from the table as the circulator pours
- B.
The scrub nurse sets the receptacle near the edge of a waterproof-draped table
- C.
All solutions are poured over the ring stand by the circulator
- D.
A and B
- 79.Which nerve is affected by pressure on the lower leg or knee?
- A.
Phrenic
- B.
Pudendal
- C.
Perineal
- D.
Peroneal
- 80.What advantage is phacoemulsification for cataract removal?
- A.
Shortened convalescence
- B.
Superior cosmetic effect
- C.
Employs small incision
- D.
A and C
- 81.The structure that covers the enterance of the larynx when one swallows, thus preventing food from entering the airway (trachea) is called
- A.
Glottis
- B.
Vocal fold
- C.
Epiglottis
- D.
Oropharynx
- 82.Physiologic salt solution used intravenously when the body needs additional sodium, calcium, and ptoassium is
- A.
Dextran
- B.
Normal saline
- C.
Dextrose in saline
- D.
Ringer's lactate
- 83.In the lateral chest position, a sandbag or padding is placed under the chest at axillary level to
- A.
Facilitate respiration
- B.
Aid in position stability
- C.
Prevent pressure on the lower arm
- D.
Create good body alignment
- 84.A viscous jelly used to occupy space, thus preventing damage, in anterior segment surgery of the eye is
- A.
Healon
- B.
Chymar
- C.
Miocol
- D.
Wydase
- 85.Which of the following is frequently used over an incision following pediatric surgery?
- A.
Collodian
- B.
Benzoin
- C.
Pressure dressing
- D.
Cotton-elastic bandage
- 86.An agent used for epidural, spinal, or local providing good relaxation is
- A.
Marcaine
- B.
Norcuron
- C.
Ketalar
- D.
Sublimaze
- 87.The instrument used to measure the depth of the uterus during a dilation and curettage is a
- A.
Sim's curette
- B.
Jacob's forceps
- C.
Boseman forceps
- D.
Uterine sound
- 88.Vagotomy is performed for peptic ulcer disease to
- A.
Decrease transmission of pain stimuli
- B.
Increase secretion of gastrin
- C.
Increase circulation to the greater curvature
- D.
Decrease secretion of gastric acid
- 89.Before surgery, elastic bandages or special stockings are sometimes applied to the lower extremities to
- A.
Prevent pressure areas
- B.
Prevent skin irritation
- C.
Prevent venous stasis
- D.
Prevent chilling
- 90.Surgical masks should be changed
- A.
After each case
- B.
Daily
- C.
Twice a day
- D.
Every 2 hours
- 91.Why would benzoin be applied to the skin before dressing application?
- A.
To facilitate easier removal
- B.
To increase adhesiveness
- C.
To add a microbial film to the skin
- D.
To prevent allergic reaction to tape
- 92.Closing the interal os of an incompetent cervix with a ligature of tape is called
- A.
Manchester
- B.
Wertheim
- C.
Shirodkar
- D.
Le Fort
- 93.Pneumoperitoneum is effected by instilling gas into the peritoneal cavity by way of a
- A.
Silverman needle
- B.
Verres needle
- C.
Trocar
- D.
Craig needle
- 94.In addition to providing bladder drainage followng a suprapubic prostatectomy, a Foley catheter
- A.
Exerts pressure to obain hemostasis
- B.
Provides for bladder expansion
- C.
Prevents nosocomial infection
- D.
Prevents bladder atrophy
- 95.
- A.
A conductive strap over the sheet covering the patient
- B.
A conductive table mattress
- C.
A conductive strap in direct contact with the patient's skin, with one end of the strap fastened to the OR table metal frame
- D.
A ground plate under the patient
- 96.Safety during use of the defibrillator includes all of the following EXCEPT
- A.
Maintaining contact with OR table and the patient
- B.
Keeping hands dry
- C.
Standing on dry floor
- D.
Pressing paddle switches simultaneously
- 97.A drug that may be used as an IV flush or as a flush for a blood vessel lumen is
- A.
Vitamin K
- B.
Heparin
- C.
Coumarin
- D.
Desmopressin acetate
- 98.Nipple reconstruction can be enhanced by the used of a(n)
- A.
Tattoo
- B.
Flap technique
- C.
Laser
- D.
TRAM
- 99.Where are the adrenal gland located?
- A.
In the brain
- B.
Above the kidney
- C.
In the pancreas
- D.
Alongside the thyroid
- 100.The following are all contraindications to vaginal hysterectomy EXCEPT
- A.
Large uterus
- B.
Malignancy
- C.
Adnexal mass
- D.
Presence of cystocele
- 101.Instruments used to close the vaginal vault in an abdominal hysterectomy nust be
- A.
Kept separate from the setup before use
- B.
Considered contaminated after use
- C.
Noncrushing clamps
- D.
Kept on the Mayo stand after use
- 102.The addition of adrenalin to a local anesthetic provides
- A.
Vasodilation, heightened anesthesia, decreased bleeding
- B.
Vasodilation, increased oxygenation of tissue, decreased bleeding
- C.
Vasoconstriction, increased absorption, decreased bleeding
- D.
Vasoconstriction, prolonged anesthesia decreased bleeding
- 103.During laser surgery, each of the following policies must be adhered to EXCEPT
- A.
Signs are placed on doors
- B.
Prescription glasses are approved protection mechanisms
- C.
Patient's eyes are protected with moistened pads or goggles
- D.
All persons iwthin the treatment area wear protective eyewear
- 104.There are _____ parathyroids
- A.
2
- B.
3
- C.
4
- D.
5
- 105.A constant closed suction that utilized a plastic container serving as both a suction and receptacle for blood is a
- A.
Hemovac
- B.
Robinson
- C.
Sengstaken-Blakemore
- D.
Potts-Smith
- 106.
- A.
Sphincter of Oddi
- B.
Ileocecal sphincter
- C.
Pyloric sphincter
- D.
Duodenal sphincter
- 107.Which hepatitis poses a threat to health care workers?
- A.
A
- B.
B
- C.
C
- D.
D
- 108.A dye used in gynecology to test tubal patency is
- A.
Methylene blue
- B.
Fluorescein
- C.
Gentian violet
- D.
Anilene
- 109.Which stage of wound healing takes place when there is tissue loss with an inability to approximate wound edge?
- A.
First (primary)
- B.
Second (granulaiton)
- C.
Third
- D.
Delayed primary
- 110.An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the tunica vaginalis is referred to as a
- A.
Cystocele
- B.
Hydrocele
- C.
Sprematocele
- D.
Varicocele
- 111.Periosteum is lifted from the surface of the bone with a(n)
- A.
Rongeur
- B.
Curette
- C.
Osteotome
- D.
Elevator
- 112.Repair of a cranial defect is surgically represented by the term
- A.
Trephination
- B.
Cranioplasty
- C.
Craniosynostosis
- D.
Craniectomy
- 113.For surgery on a known AIDS patient, all of the following precautions should be followed EXCEPT
- A.
Wear double gloves
- B.
Masks and protective eyewear worn
- C.
Needles resheathed
- D.
Universal precautions undertaken
- 114.Health care workers who are potentially exposed to blood, can be vaccinated to prevent
- A.
Hepatitis A virus
- B.
Hepatitis B virus
- C.
Non-A and non-B hepatitis
- D.
Delta hepatitis
- 115.An alternative indewelling urinary drainage system diverting urine away from the urethra is a
- A.
Suprapubic cystostomy catheterization
- B.
French catheterization
- C.
Ureteral catheterization
- D.
Urethral catheterization
- 116.A common raiopaque contrast medium used in the OR is
- A.
Barium sulfate
- B.
Ritalin
- C.
Baralyme
- D.
Renografin
- 117.What is the purpose of a chest tube and water-seal drainage?
- A.
Evacuate fluid and air
- B.
Evacuate lung secretions
- C.
Oxygenate the lung
- D.
Plug the hole in the chest wall
- 118.Extreme flexion of the thighs in the lithotomy position impairs
- A.
Circulatory function
- B.
Respiratory function
- C.
Nerve continuity
- D.
Operative ability
- 119.A femoral-popliteal bypass is scheduled. Which self-retaining retractor would be used to facilitate exploration of the femoral artery?
- A.
Mason-Judd
- B.
DeBakey
- C.
Weitlaner
- D.
Craford
- 120.A double-bowl-shaped glass evacuator used to irrigate the bladder during transurethral surgery is call a(n)
- A.
Robb
- B.
Valentine
- C.
Ellik
- D.
Toomey
- 121.An approach to infection controll designed to prevent transmission of blood-borne diseases in health care settings is called
- A.
Aseptic technique
- B.
Sanitization
- C.
Universal precautions
- D.
Disinfection
- 122.An elevated PSA test could be indicative of cancer of the
- A.
Lung
- B.
Prostate
- C.
Lymph nodes
- D.
Cervix
- 123.In which intention of healing is there a wide, fibrous scar?
- A.
Primary
- B.
Secondary
- C.
Third
- D.
Fourth
- 124.Which Gram-positive bacteria can cause abscesses?
- A.
Escherichia coli
- B.
Salmonella
- C.
Proteus
- D.
Staphylococcus aureus
- 125.Mannito is a(n)
- A.
Anticholinergic
- B.
Osmotic diuretic
- C.
Stimulant
- D.
Beta-blocker
- 126.The organism causing hepatitis B is a
- A.
Virus
- B.
Bacteria
- C.
Fungus
- D.
Protozoa
- 127.An example of an anti-inflammatory is
- A.
Cortisone
- B.
Cyclosporine
- C.
Isuprel
- D.
Levophed
- 128.Hemorrhage is suspected if
- A.
The blood pressure drops in direct relationship to the drop in the pulse
- B.
The blood pressure drops and pulse rate rises
- C.
There is no change in the blood pressure, only in the pulse rate
- D.
The blood pressure elevates and the pulse drops
- 129.How many feet above the ground is considered safe for electrical outlets and fixtures that are not explosion-proof?
- A.
1
- B.
3
- C.
5
- D.
7
- 130.Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the
- A.
Elbow
- B.
Wrist
- C.
Knee
- D.
Ankle
- 131.Documenting, tracking, and registering are mandated for
- A.
Anesthesia
- B.
Implants
- C.
Medications
- D.
Inventory
- 132.When the foreskin of the penis cannot be retracted over the glans it is called
- A.
Hypospadias
- B.
Ptosis
- C.
Phimosis
- D.
Balanitis
- 133.The burn characterized by blister formation, pain, and a moist and mottled red appearance is
- A.
First
- B.
Second
- C.
Third
- D.
Fourth
- 134.Microorganisms that grow in the absence of oxygen are
- A.
Spores
- B.
Aerobes
- C.
Faculative bacteria
- D.
Anaerobes
- 135.The islets of Langerhans are located in the
- A.
Adrenals
- B.
Parathyroids
- C.
Pituitary
- D.
Pancreas
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