CMSRN FREE CMSRN Perioperative Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

A preoperative nurse is completing a surgical safety checklist. Which element is essential to verify during the 'time-out' immediately before incision?

Accepted Answer

Correct patient identity, procedure, and surgical site marking

Answer

The surgical time-out requires verification of correct patient, correct procedure, and correct site to prevent wrong-site, wrong-patient, and wrong-procedure errors as mandated by The Joint Commission.

Question 2

A postoperative patient develops a temperature of 102.4°F on the third day after abdominal surgery. Which cause should the nurse suspect first?

Accepted Answer

Urinary tract infection or respiratory infection

Answer

Fever on postoperative day 3 most commonly points to a urinary tract infection (from catheterization) or pneumonia, following the classic 'Wind, Water, Wound, Walk' mnemonic where 'Water' corresponds to days 3-5.

Question 3

Which nursing intervention is most important for preventing deep vein thrombosis in a patient who underwent a total hip replacement?

Accepted Answer

Initiating sequential compression devices and early ambulation

Answer

Sequential compression devices combined with early ambulation are evidence-based interventions that promote venous return and reduce the high DVT risk associated with major orthopedic surgery.

Question 4

A patient in the preoperative holding area reports that they ate a granola bar two hours ago despite NPO instructions. What should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Notify the anesthesiologist immediately about the NPO violation

Answer

An NPO violation increases aspiration risk during anesthesia induction, so the anesthesiologist must be notified immediately to determine whether to proceed, delay, or modify the anesthesia plan.

Question 5

A nurse is monitoring a patient who received spinal anesthesia for a lower extremity procedure. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure drops from 128/78 to 86/52 mmHg

Answer

Significant hypotension after spinal anesthesia indicates sympathetic blockade causing vasodilation and decreased venous return, requiring immediate treatment with IV fluids and vasopressors.

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN FREE CMSRN Perioperative Questions and Answers 3