CNOR Preoperative Patient Assessment 2

Question 1

A patient scheduled for elective surgery reports taking warfarin daily. What is the perioperative nurse's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the surgeon and anesthesia provider of the anticoagulant use

Answer

Anticoagulant use must be reported to the surgical team to allow appropriate management and reduce bleeding risk.

Question 2

During preoperative assessment, the nurse notes the patient has a latex allergy. Which action is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Alert the entire surgical team and prepare a latex-free environment

Answer

A latex allergy requires preparation of a latex-free OR environment and notification of all team members to prevent anaphylaxis.

Question 3

Which preoperative laboratory value would most concern the perioperative nurse in a patient scheduled for a major abdominal procedure?

Accepted Answer

Platelet count of 45,000/mm³

Answer

A platelet count of 45,000/mm³ is critically low and significantly increases the risk of intraoperative hemorrhage.

Question 4

A patient states they last ate solid food 4 hours ago. The surgery is scheduled to begin in 30 minutes. What should the perioperative nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Notify the anesthesia provider immediately

Answer

NPO guidelines typically require 6-8 hours for solids; the anesthesia provider must be notified to determine if surgery should be delayed.

Question 5

When assessing a patient's airway preoperatively, the nurse notes a Mallampati class IV. This finding suggests:

Accepted Answer

Potentially difficult intubation requiring advance planning

Answer

Mallampati class IV indicates minimal pharyngeal structures are visible, suggesting a potentially difficult airway for intubation.

CNOR - Certification Exam Practice Test