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

The common peroneal nerve wraps around the fibular head and is vulnerable to compression injury in the lateral position if the lower leg is not properly padded.

Question 2

Which physiological complication is most associated with prolonged Trendelenburg positioning?

Accepted Answer

Increased intracranial pressure and airway edema

Answer

Prolonged Trendelenburg position causes cephalad fluid shift, increasing intracranial pressure and causing facial and airway edema.

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

Raising or lowering both legs simultaneously prevents sudden shifts in blood volume that can cause hemodynamic instability.

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

In the sitting position, the head is elevated above the heart, so mean arterial pressure must be measured and interpreted at the level of the head to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Sitting (beach chair)

Answer

The sitting position creates a negative pressure gradient between the surgical site and the right heart, allowing air to enter open venous sinuses and cause air embolism.

CNOR - Certification Exam Practice Test

CNOR - Certification Exam Practice Test

CNOR Patient Positioning and Physiological Monitoring