NBCRNA Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the NBCRNA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 NBCRNA Exam Format at a Glance
📚 NBCRNA Topics to Study (23)
✍️ Sample NBCRNA Questions & Answers
1. What is the hourly maintenance fluid rate for an 11-pound infant?
Explanation: The hourly maintenance fluid rate for an 11-pound infant is typically calculated using the Holliday-Segar method, which suggests a rate of approximately 4 mL/kg/hour for the first 10 kg of body weight. For an 11-pound infant (approximately 5 kg): 4 mL/kg/hour × 5 kg = 20 mL/hour
2. The Bain circuit (Mapleson D modification) is a co-axial design where the inner tube carries what?
In the Bain circuit, the inner tube delivers fresh gas to the patient end while exhaled gases travel through the outer corrugated tube to the APL valve.
3. The circle breathing system uses soda lime to do what?
Soda lime (primarily calcium hydroxide with sodium and potassium hydroxide) absorbs exhaled CO2 through a chemical reaction, allowing low-flow rebreathing circuits.
4. Ketamine produces dissociative anesthesia primarily through which receptor mechanism?
Ketamine blocks NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) glutamate receptors, producing dissociative anesthesia, analgesia, and amnesia.
5. LAST (Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity) initial CNS symptoms include which finding?
LAST typically presents with CNS excitation (perioral tingling, tinnitus, metallic taste, restlessness, seizures) before CNS depression and cardiovascular collapse.
6. Rapid sequence induction (RSI) is indicated in patients at risk for pulmonary aspiration and includes preoxygenation followed by what drug sequence?
Classic RSI uses an induction agent with succinylcholine (or high-dose rocuronium for a modified RSI) without positive-pressure mask ventilation to minimize aspiration risk before cuff inflation.