Certification MCQ Flashcards
7 cards from real CNOR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Certification MCQ flashcards as text
Which wound classification is assigned to a colorectal resection performed for cancer without gross spillage of bowel contents?
Answer: Class II – Clean-Contaminated
Elective colorectal surgery with controlled entry into the GI tract but no gross spillage is classified as Clean-Contaminated (Class II).
During a laparoscopic procedure, the circulator notices the patient's end-tidal CO2 is rising rapidly and the capnography waveform changes. The FIRST priority is:
Answer: Alert the surgeon and anesthesiologist immediately
Rapidly rising EtCO2 may indicate CO2 embolism or inadvertent subcutaneous emphysema; immediate notification of the surgical team is the priority action.
The recommended method for verifying instrument counts before and after surgery is:
Answer: Two individuals count together and record counts on a count sheet
AORN guidelines require two-person concurrent counting with results recorded to ensure accuracy and accountability.
A patient who has a documented latex allergy should be scheduled as which type of case whenever possible?
Answer: First case of the morning before latex particles accumulate in room air
Scheduling latex-allergic patients as the first case of the day minimizes airborne latex allergen exposure that accumulates from prior cases.
When using a monopolar electrosurgical unit (ESU), the dispersive electrode (patient return electrode) should be placed:
Answer: On a well-vascularized muscle mass between the ESU site and the grounding pad
Placement over a well-vascularized muscle mass near but not over implants ensures low current density and adequate heat dispersal to prevent burns.
The term 'retained surgical item' (RSI) refers to:
Answer: Any foreign object unintentionally left in a patient after surgery
An RSI is any foreign object — including sponges, instruments, needles, or devices — unintentionally left inside a patient after surgery.
Which of the following best describes the CNOR's advocacy role in the perioperative setting?
Answer: Acting as the patient's voice and ensuring safe, evidence-based care when the patient cannot speak for themselves
Advocacy means acting in the patient's best interest and speaking on their behalf — especially critical when patients are sedated or anesthetized and cannot self-advocate.