CMSRN FREE CMSRN Perioperative Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A patient scheduled for a total knee arthroplasty reports taking aspirin 325 mg daily. What is the priority nursing action during the preoperative phase?

Accepted Answer

Notify the surgeon about the aspirin use

Answer

Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and increases surgical bleeding risk, so the surgeon must be notified to determine when to discontinue it preoperatively.

Question 2

Which assessment finding in a postoperative patient most strongly suggests the development of malignant hyperthermia?

Accepted Answer

Unexplained rapid rise in end-tidal CO2 and muscle rigidity

Answer

A rapid, unexplained rise in end-tidal CO2 combined with skeletal muscle rigidity is the earliest and most reliable indicator of malignant hyperthermia.

Question 3

A nurse is caring for a patient in the PACU who underwent abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. Which intervention best prevents postoperative atelectasis?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging early use of incentive spirometry

Answer

Incentive spirometry promotes deep breathing and sustained maximal inspiration, which helps re-expand alveoli and prevent atelectasis after general anesthesia.

Question 4

During the intraoperative phase, the circulating nurse notices a break in sterile technique by a surgical team member. What is the appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the team member and the surgeon of the break

Answer

The circulating nurse is responsible for monitoring sterile technique and must immediately communicate any break to the team so corrective action can be taken to prevent surgical site infection.

Question 5

A patient with a history of obstructive sleep apnea is recovering from surgery. Which postoperative concern should the nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Risk of airway obstruction and respiratory depression

Answer

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea are at significantly increased risk for airway obstruction and respiratory depression postoperatively, especially when receiving opioid analgesics and sedatives.

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN FREE CMSRN Perioperative Questions and Answers 2