CNOR Patient Positioning and Physiological Monitoring 2

Question 1

When using a fracture table for a hip procedure, the well-leg stirrup must be positioned to avoid pressure on which structure?

Accepted Answer

Saphenous nerve at the medial knee

Answer

The saphenous nerve runs medially near the knee and is susceptible to compression injury from the well-leg stirrup post used with fracture tables.

Question 2

Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring in the perioperative setting is used primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Assess the depth of anesthesia and reduce awareness

Answer

BIS monitoring processes the EEG signal to provide a numeric index of anesthetic depth, helping clinicians titrate agents and reduce the risk of intraoperative awareness.

Question 3

A patient in the supine position develops hypotension shortly after positioning. The anesthesia provider suspects aortocaval compression. This is MOST likely in which patient population?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant patients beyond 20 weeks gestation

Answer

In pregnant patients beyond 20 weeks, the gravid uterus can compress the inferior vena cava and aorta in the supine position, causing significant hypotension.

Question 4

During intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) for a spinal procedure, a significant loss of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) is noted. The FIRST priority of the scrub nurse should be to:

Accepted Answer

Alert the surgeon and pause or modify the surgical maneuver

Answer

A significant MEP change is a signal that the spinal cord may be at risk; the scrub nurse must immediately alert the surgeon so the surgical maneuver can be paused or modified.

Question 5

Compartment syndrome can occur as a complication of which surgical position when procedures are prolonged?

Accepted Answer

Lithotomy with legs elevated in stirrups

Answer

Lithotomy position with elevated legs can impair venous drainage and arterial perfusion in the lower extremities, leading to well-leg compartment syndrome in prolonged cases.

CNOR - Certification Exam Practice Test

CNOR - Certification Exam Practice Test

CNOR Patient Positioning and Physiological Monitoring 2