CNOR Managing Emergency Situations 5

Question 1

The circulating nurse notices the surgical smoke evacuator has stopped functioning. The PRIORITY concern is:

Accepted Answer

Exposure of personnel and patient to carcinogenic surgical plume

Answer

Surgical smoke contains carcinogens, mutagens, and infectious particles; loss of smoke evacuation creates a direct health hazard for the patient and entire OR team.

Question 2

A patient with an implanted pacemaker is scheduled for electrosurgery. Which ESU setting BEST minimizes the risk of pacemaker interference?

Accepted Answer

Use bipolar electrosurgery whenever possible

Answer

Bipolar electrosurgery limits current to the immediate tissue between the forceps tips, minimizing electromagnetic interference with implanted cardiac devices.

Question 3

During a robotic-assisted procedure, the robotic system experiences a critical malfunction and cannot be safely disengaged. The FIRST nursing priority is:

Accepted Answer

Follow the facility's robotic emergency protocol and alert the surgeon

Answer

Patient safety requires immediate activation of the facility's emergency robotic protocol and alerting the surgeon to take control and prevent patient injury.

Question 4

Which sign differentiates tension pneumothorax from simple pneumothorax in the intraoperative setting?

Accepted Answer

Hypotension with distended neck veins and tracheal deviation away from the affected side

Answer

Tension pneumothorax causes mediastinal shift away from the affected side, leading to tracheal deviation away, hypotension, and elevated venous pressure — a surgical emergency.

Question 5

A patient on the OR table develops ST-elevation on the cardiac monitor during a non-cardiac procedure. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Notify the anesthesia provider and surgeon immediately and prepare for potential cardiac intervention

Answer

ST elevation suggests myocardial infarction; immediate notification of the anesthesia and surgical team is essential to decide whether to continue, abort, or modify the procedure.

CNOR - Certification Exam Practice Test

CNOR - Certification Exam Practice Test

CNOR Managing Emergency Situations 5