AORN Anesthesia Basics 5

Question 1

What is the primary concern when positioning a patient in the Trendelenburg position during surgery regarding anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Increased intracranial pressure and reduced respiratory compliance

Answer

Trendelenburg position increases intracranial pressure and causes the abdominal contents to press on the diaphragm, reducing lung compliance and tidal volume.

Question 2

Which of the following is the MOST important assessment for the perioperative nurse to complete before administering a pre-operative sedative medication?

Accepted Answer

Verifying allergies, vital signs, NPO status, and that consent has been obtained

Answer

Before any sedative is given, the nurse must verify NPO status, allergies, baseline vital signs, and that informed consent is on the chart to ensure patient safety.

Question 3

What is the purpose of using a nerve stimulator (train-of-four) monitoring during anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate the degree of neuromuscular blockade and recovery

Answer

Train-of-four stimulation assesses the degree of neuromuscular blockade to guide NMBA dosing and confirm adequate reversal before extubation.

Question 4

A patient develops a sudden decrease in ETCO2 to near zero while on cardiopulmonary bypass. The most likely explanation is:

Accepted Answer

Correct—the heart and lungs are bypassed, so no pulmonary CO2 elimination occurs

Answer

During cardiopulmonary bypass, blood is diverted away from the lungs, so no CO2 is eliminated through the endotracheal tube, causing ETCO2 to drop to near zero.

Question 5

Which volatile anesthetic agent is most commonly preferred for pediatric inhalation induction due to its non-pungent, sweet odor?

Accepted Answer

Sevoflurane

Answer

Sevoflurane has a non-irritating, pleasant odor and rapid onset, making it the preferred agent for mask induction in pediatric patients.

(AORN) Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Practice Test

(AORN) Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Practice Test

AORN Anesthesia Basics 5