CMSRN Anesthetist 4

Question 1

A patient undergoing a procedure under moderate (conscious) sedation stops responding to verbal stimuli. The nurse should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Stimulate the patient and assess airway patency

Answer

The immediate priority is to assess responsiveness and airway patency, as the patient may have inadvertently progressed to deep sedation requiring airway intervention.

Question 2

Which electrolyte abnormality is MOST dangerous in a patient receiving succinylcholine and should be assessed before administration?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Succinylcholine causes a transient rise in serum potassium; administering it to a patient with pre-existing hyperkalemia (e.g., burns, crush injuries, renal failure) can cause fatal cardiac arrest.

Question 3

In the immediate postoperative period, which assessment finding indicates the patient is NOT yet ready for extubation?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min with shallow tidal volumes

Answer

A respiratory rate of 8 with shallow tidal volumes suggests residual neuromuscular blockade or opioid effect, indicating inadequate ventilatory drive for safe extubation.

Question 4

A patient develops bronchospasm during general anesthesia. Which inhalational agent should be AVOIDED as it is most likely to worsen airway reactivity?

Accepted Answer

Desflurane

Answer

Desflurane is a potent airway irritant that can cause bronchospasm, laryngospasm, and increased secretions, making it the worst choice for patients with reactive airways.

Question 5

Which is the MOST important nursing action when a patient with a history of latex allergy is scheduled for a procedure?

Accepted Answer

Schedule the patient as the first case of the day and use latex-free equipment

Answer

Scheduling first case of the day minimizes airborne latex particles from previous cases, and using a fully latex-free environment is essential to prevent anaphylaxis.

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN Anesthetist 4