CNOR Nursing MCQ 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient is positioned in the lateral decubitus position for a thoracic procedure. Which anatomical structure is most at risk for compression injury?
- Brachial plexus (Correct answer)
- Femoral nerve
- Sciatic nerve
- Radial nerve
Correct answer: Brachial plexus
The brachial plexus is most vulnerable in lateral decubitus positioning due to pressure on the dependent shoulder and arm stretching.
Question 2: When performing a surgical count, the scrub technician and circulating nurse discover an incorrect sponge count before wound closure. What is the FIRST action?
- Notify the surgeon immediately
- Perform a recount (Correct answer)
- Request an intraoperative X-ray
- Document the discrepancy
Correct answer: Perform a recount
The first step in a count discrepancy is to recount all items before escalating to the surgeon or requesting imaging.
Question 3: Which type of surgical fire requires a Class C fire extinguisher?
- Electrical equipment fire (Correct answer)
- Drape fire from alcohol-based prep
- Oxygen-enriched airway fire
- Laparoscopic gas ignition
Correct answer: Electrical equipment fire
Class C extinguishers are designed for energized electrical equipment fires, using non-conductive agents like CO2 or dry chemical.
Question 4: A patient has a documented latex allergy. Which glove alternative is preferred for the surgical team?
- Neoprene gloves
- Vinyl gloves
- Nitrile gloves
- Polyisoprene gloves (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Polyisoprene gloves
Polyisoprene gloves provide the best tactile sensitivity and barrier protection as a latex-free alternative for sterile surgical procedures.
Question 5: During a robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedure, the patient is placed in steep Trendelenburg. Which complication is MOST likely with prolonged positioning?
- Corneal abrasion
- Intraocular pressure increase (Correct answer)
- Compartment syndrome of the legs
- Pressure injury to the occiput
Correct answer: Intraocular pressure increase
Steep Trendelenburg position significantly increases intraocular pressure, which is especially concerning for patients with glaucoma.
Question 6: Which sterilization method is MOST appropriate for heat-sensitive fiber optic cables?
- Steam autoclave at 132°C
- Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas (Correct answer)
- Dry heat sterilization
- Glutaraldehyde immersion for 10 minutes
Correct answer: Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas
Ethylene oxide gas sterilization is the method of choice for heat-sensitive equipment like fiber optic cables, operating at low temperatures.
Question 7: A sterile field becomes compromised when a scrubbed team member's gown sleeve contacts the unsterile back table edge. What is the appropriate response?
- Continue the procedure if contamination was minimal
- Reinforce the area with a sterile drape
- Change the contaminated gown immediately (Correct answer)
- Apply sterile tape over the contact area
Correct answer: Change the contaminated gown immediately
Any compromise to a sterile gown requires immediate changing of the gown to maintain aseptic technique.
CNOR Nursing MCQ 2
A patient is positioned in the lateral decubitus position for a thoracic procedure.
Which anatomical structure is most at risk for compression injury?