CRNFA Anesthesia and Patient Safety in the OR 2

Question 1

Intraoperative awareness (unintended consciousness during general anesthesia) is most effectively monitored using which technology?

Accepted Answer

Bispectral Index (BIS) monitor measuring processed EEG

Answer

The Bispectral Index (BIS) processes EEG signals to provide a numerical depth-of-anesthesia estimate, with values of 40–60 indicating adequate anesthesia for most surgical procedures.

Question 2

A patient receiving epidural analgesia develops sudden hypotension, bradycardia, and respiratory distress after a bolus dose. The CRNFA should recognize this as which complication?

Accepted Answer

Total spinal (high spinal block with hemodynamic collapse)

Answer

Total spinal (accidental intrathecal injection of an epidural dose) causes rapid-onset profound hypotension, bradycardia, and respiratory failure requiring immediate vasopressor and airway support.

Question 3

Which intraoperative physiologic parameter, if consistently below 95%, requires immediate intervention by the surgical team?

Accepted Answer

SpO2 (pulse oximetry oxygen saturation)

Answer

SpO2 below 95% indicates hypoxemia requiring immediate airway and ventilatory assessment; the lower alarm limit on most anesthesia monitors is set at 95%.

Question 4

The CRNFA should ensure that which safety device is applied before draping to minimize risk of patient movement causing injury during positioning under anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Safety strap or padded restraint securing the patient to the table

Answer

A safety strap or padded restraint must be applied across the patient's thighs before draping to prevent falls if the patient moves, is inadvertently bumped, or the table is repositioned.

Question 5

Which anesthetic technique provides excellent analgesia for total knee arthroplasty while allowing early ambulation and reducing opioid requirements?

Accepted Answer

Femoral nerve block or adductor canal block (regional anesthesia)

Answer

Femoral nerve or adductor canal blocks provide targeted knee analgesia while preserving quadriceps strength for early mobilization and significantly reducing systemic opioid requirements.

CRNFA - Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant Practice Test

CRNFA - Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant Practice Test

CRNFA Anesthesia and Patient Safety in the OR 2