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

Administer the aspirin as scheduled

Answer

Instruct the patient to double the dose before surgery

Answer

Document the aspirin use and proceed with preparation

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

Temperature of 99.8°F with mild shivering

Answer

Bradycardia with hypotension

Answer

Decreased urine output with clear urine

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

Keeping the patient in a supine position

Answer

Restricting oral fluids for 24 hours

Answer

Administering a sedative to promote rest

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

Wait until the procedure is complete to report the break

Answer

Document the incident in the patient's chart without intervention

Answer

Replace all surgical instruments on the field

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

Increased risk of postoperative nausea

Answer

Higher likelihood of urinary retention

Answer

Elevated risk of surgical wound dehiscence

Question 6

Which laboratory value should the nurse verify before a patient is cleared for surgery requiring regional anesthesia with an epidural catheter?

Accepted Answer

Platelet count and coagulation studies

Answer

Serum potassium level

Answer

Fasting blood glucose

Answer

Serum creatinine