CNOR Patient Positioning and Physiological Monitoring

Question 1

When placing a patient in the lateral decubitus position, which structure is at greatest risk for pressure injury if padding is not applied correctly?

Accepted Answer

Common peroneal nerve at the fibular head

Answer

Medial malleolus

Answer

Femoral artery

Answer

Brachial plexus at the axilla

Question 2

Which physiological complication is most associated with prolonged Trendelenburg positioning?

Accepted Answer

Increased intracranial pressure and airway edema

Answer

Hypotension and decreased venous return

Answer

Peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities

Answer

Hypothermia due to vasodilation

Question 3

A patient is positioned in lithotomy. Both legs should be raised and lowered simultaneously to prevent which complication?

Accepted Answer

Hemodynamic instability from sudden blood volume shifts

Answer

Deep vein thrombosis

Answer

Lumbar spinal injury

Answer

Sciatic nerve stretch injury

Question 4

Which monitoring parameter is MOST important to assess continuously during a procedure performed in the sitting (beach chair) position?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral perfusion pressure via mean arterial pressure at head level

Answer

Pulse oximetry waveform

Answer

Core body temperature

Answer

End-tidal CO2

Question 5

Which position is associated with the highest risk of air embolism during a neurosurgical procedure?

Accepted Answer

Sitting (beach chair)

Answer

Supine

Answer

Prone

Answer

Lateral decubitus

Question 6

When positioning a patient prone, the eyes must be checked frequently because prolonged prone positioning can cause:

Accepted Answer

Corneal abrasions and pressure-related vision loss

Answer

Increased intraocular pressure from drainage

Answer

Pupil dilation from parasympathetic stimulation

Answer

Subconjunctival hemorrhage from Valsalva

Question 7

Capnography (end-tidal CO2) monitoring provides which of the following critical safety functions in the OR?

Accepted Answer

Confirms correct endotracheal tube placement and detects disconnection

Answer

Measures arterial oxygen saturation

Answer

Quantifies depth of neuromuscular blockade

Answer

Monitors cardiac output continuously