CNOR Managing Emergency Situations 3

Question 1

Which scenario BEST represents a 'never event' requiring immediate reporting per CMS guidelines in the perioperative setting?

Accepted Answer

A retained surgical sponge is discovered on post-op imaging

Answer

Retained surgical items (RSIs) are classified as never events by CMS and require immediate reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective action.

Question 2

A fire ignites in the surgical field. Per the RACE mnemonic, the FIRST step is:

Accepted Answer

Rescue patients in immediate danger

Answer

RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish — rescuing patients in immediate danger is always the first priority.

Question 3

An OR fire involving dry surgical drapes is BEST extinguished using which type of fire extinguisher?

Accepted Answer

Class A (water-based)

Answer

Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles like drapes and paper; a Class A water-based extinguisher or CO2 can be used, but Class A designation covers ordinary combustible materials in the OR.

Question 4

During a procedure under local anesthesia, a patient reports sudden chest tightness and difficulty breathing. The nurse's FIRST action should be:

Accepted Answer

Administer supplemental oxygen and notify the surgeon

Answer

Airway and oxygenation are always the first priority; providing O2 and alerting the surgeon allows rapid assessment and preparation for escalation if needed.

Question 5

Which patient position is CONTRAINDICATED in a patient with suspected air embolism detected intraoperatively?

Accepted Answer

Head of bed elevated 30 degrees

Answer

Elevating the head of the bed increases risk of air moving into the cerebral circulation; the correct position is left lateral decubitus with head down to trap air in the right ventricle.

CNOR - Certification Exam Practice Test

CNOR - Certification Exam Practice Test

CNOR Managing Emergency Situations 3