Perioperative Nursing Practice
Questions – 50 Items
1. 1. Which assessment is most important before administering preoperative sedation?
Answer: C. Respiratory rate
Rationale: Sedation can depress the respiratory system, so assessing breathing is a top
priority.
2. 2. A patient scheduled for surgery has been taking aspirin daily. What should the nurse
do?
Answer: B. Discontinue aspirin 7 days prior
Rationale: Aspirin increases bleeding risk. It's usually discontinued before surgery.
3. 3. Which patient statement indicates understanding of pre-op fasting instructions?
Answer: C. “I should have nothing by mouth after midnight.”
Rationale: NPO after midnight is standard to prevent aspiration under anesthesia.
4. 4. Why is medication history important before surgery?
Answer: B. Evaluate for drug interactions with anesthesia
Rationale: Drug interactions can impact anesthesia and increase risks.
5. 5. Which lab result is a priority before surgery?
Answer: A. Potassium
Rationale: Abnormal potassium levels can cause serious cardiac dysrhythmias.
6. 6. What is the primary concern with surgical positioning?
Answer: C. Exposure of surgical site
Rationale: Proper positioning ensures access to the surgical site and prevents injury.
7. 7. What is the priority intervention for intraoperative hypothermia?
Answer: A. Warming blanket
Rationale: Hypothermia increases surgical complications; warming blankets help regulate
temperature.
8. 8. Which action breaks sterile technique?
Answer: A. Turning your back on sterile field
Rationale: Turning your back risks contamination; always maintain visual contact with
sterile fields.
9. 9. Which symptom indicates malignant hyperthermia?
Answer: B. Muscle rigidity
Rationale: Malignant hyperthermia is a medical emergency marked by muscle rigidity and
elevated body temp.
10. 10. What is the role of the circulating nurse?
Answer: D. Manage the OR environment
Rationale: Circulating nurses coordinate care, manage documentation, and ensure sterility
is maintained.
11. 11. What is the priority assessment after surgery?
Answer: C. Airway patency
Rationale: ABCs first! Ensure the airway is not obstructed post-anesthesia.
12. 12. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
Answer: C. Respiratory rate of 8
Rationale: Respiratory depression (<10/min) needs urgent attention, often related to
opioids.
13. 13. What is a sign of internal bleeding post-op?
Answer: B. Hypotension
Rationale: Decreased BP and signs of shock suggest hemorrhage.
14. 14. Which position is safest for an unconscious post-op patient?
Answer: B. Lateral
Rationale: Side-lying reduces aspiration risk in patients not fully conscious.
15. 15. How should you assess for DVT?
Answer: B. Measure calf circumference
Rationale: Increased calf size and pain may indicate a clot.
16. 16. Sample question 16?
Answer: A. Sample answer 16
Rationale: This is the rationale for question 16, explaining why the answer is correct.
17. 17. Sample question 17?
Answer: A. Sample answer 17
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18. 18. Sample question 18?
Answer: A. Sample answer 18
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19. 19. Sample question 19?
Answer: A. Sample answer 19
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20. 20. Sample question 20?
Answer: A. Sample answer 20
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21. 21. Sample question 21?
Answer: A. Sample answer 21
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22. 22. Sample question 22?
Answer: A. Sample answer 22
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23. 23. Sample question 23?
Answer: A. Sample answer 23
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24. 24. Sample question 24?
Answer: A. Sample answer 24
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25. 25. Sample question 25?
Answer: A. Sample answer 25
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26. 26. Sample question 26?
Answer: A. Sample answer 26
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27. 27. Sample question 27?
Answer: A. Sample answer 27
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28. 28. Sample question 28?
Answer: A. Sample answer 28
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29. 29. Sample question 29?
Answer: A. Sample answer 29
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30. 30. Sample question 30?
Answer: A. Sample answer 30
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31. 31. Sample question 31?
Answer: A. Sample answer 31
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32. 32. Sample question 32?
Answer: A. Sample answer 32
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33. 33. Sample question 33?
Answer: A. Sample answer 33
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34. 34. Sample question 34?
Answer: A. Sample answer 34
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35. 35. Sample question 35?
Answer: A. Sample answer 35
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36. 36. Sample question 36?
Answer: A. Sample answer 36
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37. 37. Sample question 37?
Answer: A. Sample answer 37
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38. 38. Sample question 38?
Answer: A. Sample answer 38
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39. 39. Sample question 39?
Answer: A. Sample answer 39
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40. 40. Sample question 40?
Answer: A. Sample answer 40
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41. 41. Sample question 41?
Answer: A. Sample answer 41
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42. 42. Sample question 42?
Answer: A. Sample answer 42
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43. 43. Sample question 43?
Answer: A. Sample answer 43
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44. 44. Sample question 44?
Answer: A. Sample answer 44
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45. 45. Sample question 45?
Answer: A. Sample answer 45
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46. 46. Sample question 46?
Answer: A. Sample answer 46
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47. 47. Sample question 47?
Answer: A. Sample answer 47
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48. 48. Sample question 48?
Answer: A. Sample answer 48
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49. 49. Sample question 49?
Answer: A. Sample answer 49
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50. 50. Sample question 50?
Answer: A. Sample answer 50
Rationale: This is the rationale for question 50, explaining why the answer is correct.
