Preoperative Patient Assessment Flashcards
7 cards from real CNOR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Preoperative Patient Assessment flashcards as text
During the preoperative nursing assessment, a patient reports a previous adverse reaction to anesthesia involving prolonged paralysis after receiving succinylcholine. This history most likely indicates:
Answer: Pseudocholinesterase deficiency
Pseudocholinesterase deficiency impairs the metabolism of succinylcholine, leading to prolonged neuromuscular blockade.
A pediatric patient is brought to the preoperative area accompanied by both parents and a stepparent. Which individual(s) can legally provide informed consent?
Answer: The biological or legal guardian with legal custody
Informed consent for a minor must be obtained from the individual with legal custody or legal guardianship.
A patient is NPO but has been taking oral medications as prescribed. Which medication should be held before surgery?
Answer: Oral hypoglycemic agent for Type 2 diabetes
Oral hypoglycemics should typically be held preoperatively to prevent hypoglycemia during the fasting and surgical period.
During preoperative assessment, a patient rates their pain as 8/10 at rest. The nurse's best action is to:
Answer: Notify the surgeon and anesthesia provider, as uncontrolled pain may indicate a new or worsening condition
Severe uncontrolled preoperative pain at rest may signal a change in condition or complication that could affect the surgical plan.
The nurse is reviewing a preoperative checklist and notes the surgical site has not been marked. What is the correct action?
Answer: Notify the surgeon to mark the site before the patient enters the OR
Per AORN guidelines and Universal Protocol, the surgeon (or licensed independent practitioner performing the procedure) is responsible for marking the surgical site.
Which preoperative assessment finding requires the nurse to question the antibiotic prophylaxis order?
Answer: The patient reports a severe allergy to penicillin with anaphylaxis
A severe penicillin allergy with anaphylaxis requires verification and likely substitution of cephalosporins or other beta-lactam antibiotics in the prophylaxis order.
A patient expresses significant fear and anxiety about the upcoming surgery. The perioperative nurse's most therapeutic response is to:
Answer: Acknowledge the patient's feelings and provide specific information about what to expect
Acknowledging anxiety and providing accurate procedural information is evidence-based and helps reduce preoperative fear.