MSNCB Perioperative Nursing 3

Question 1

Which positioning complication is most associated with the lithotomy position during surgery?

Accepted Answer

Compartment syndrome of the lower extremities

Answer

Prolonged lithotomy position can impair lower extremity perfusion, leading to compartment syndrome, especially in lengthy procedures.

Question 2

The circulating nurse notices the surgical drape has become wet near the incision site. What is the priority action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the surgeon and prepare to change the drape to maintain sterility

Answer

A wet drape is considered contaminated because moisture enables microorganism migration (strike-through contamination), requiring drape replacement.

Question 3

A patient's core temperature drops to 35.2°C intraoperatively. Which intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Increase the OR ambient temperature and apply a forced-air warming blanket

Answer

Active warming with forced-air warming blankets and increasing OR temperature are first-line interventions for intraoperative hypothermia.

Question 4

Which parameter most directly reflects adequate tissue oxygenation in a PACU patient?

Accepted Answer

Pulse oximetry SpO2 ≥ 95%

Answer

Pulse oximetry SpO2 ≥ 95% is the direct quantitative measure used to assess adequate arterial oxygen saturation in PACU patients.

Question 5

When performing a surgical hand scrub, which area requires the most attention to ensure adequate antisepsis?

Accepted Answer

The subungual area (under the fingernails)

Answer

The subungual area harbors the highest concentration of microorganisms and requires thorough cleaning during the surgical hand scrub.

(MSNCB) Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board Practice Test