CMSRN Perioperative 5

Question 1

A patient is 2 days post-colostomy surgery and the stoma appears dark purple. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Ischemia of the stoma requiring immediate reporting

Answer

A dark purple or black stoma indicates impaired blood flow and ischemia, which is an emergency requiring immediate surgical notification.

Question 2

Which intraoperative position places a patient at highest risk for air embolism?

Accepted Answer

Sitting (beach chair) position

Answer

The sitting position creates a pressure gradient that allows air to enter open venous sinuses, making venous air embolism a significant risk.

Question 3

A patient undergoing a laparoscopic procedure develops sudden onset hypotension, bradycardia, and decreased SpO2 after insufflation. The nurse suspects:

Accepted Answer

CO2 embolism from pneumoperitoneum

Answer

CO2 embolism is a known complication of laparoscopic surgery when gas enters the vasculature, causing cardiovascular collapse and hypoxia.

Question 4

When teaching a patient about postoperative incentive spirometry, the nurse instructs the patient to:

Accepted Answer

Inhale slowly and deeply to maximally expand alveoli

Answer

Incentive spirometry requires slow, maximal inhalation to fully expand alveoli and prevent atelectasis — the primary postoperative pulmonary complication.

Question 5

A nurse is preparing to transfer an unconscious patient from the OR table to the transport stretcher. The minimum number of people required for a safe transfer is:

Accepted Answer

Four

Answer

A minimum of four people is required to safely transfer an unconscious patient — one at each extremity side, one at the head controlling the airway, and one directing.

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN Perioperative 5