10 free, exam-style Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free CNOR practice test to study every exam domain.
During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia, the circulating nurse notices the end-tidal CO₂ has been steadily rising over the past 5 minutes despite no changes in ventilator settings. The patient's heart rate has increased from 78 to 112 bpm. The nurse should FIRST:
Correct answer: B - Alert the anesthesia provider to a possible malignant hyperthermia episode
A patient has been in the lithotomy position using candy-cane stirrups for a 3.5-hour vaginal hysterectomy. Upon lowering the legs at the end of the procedure, the patient reports inability to dorsiflex the left foot. Which nerve was MOST likely injured?
Correct answer: C - Common peroneal nerve from compression at the fibular head
A sterile processing technician is preparing an orthopedic implant tray for steam sterilization in a prevacuum sterilizer. The biological indicator and a Class 5 integrating chemical indicator are placed inside the tray. After the cycle completes, the Class 5 indicator shows acceptable results but the biological indicator has not yet been incubated. The technician should:
Correct answer: B - Hold the implant tray until the biological indicator result confirms no growth
At the conclusion of an open abdominal procedure, the scrub technician and circulating nurse perform the final count. One radiopaque laparotomy sponge is missing. The surgeon states the wound is closed and requests the team move on. The circulating nurse should FIRST:
Correct answer: C - Conduct a systematic search of the surgical field, drapes, kick buckets, and trash
A 68-year-old patient is undergoing a tonsillectomy with electrosurgery. Supplemental oxygen is being delivered via nasal cannula at 4 L/min under the surgical drapes. The surgeon activates the electrosurgical unit, and a flash of flame erupts near the oropharynx. After removing the burning drapes from the patient, the circulating nurse should NEXT:
Correct answer: B - Activate the fire alarm and begin the facility evacuation procedure
A perioperative nurse is reviewing the chart of a patient scheduled for an elective total knee arthroplasty. The patient has a signed Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order on file. The anesthesiologist asks the nurse to confirm the DNR status before proceeding. The nurse understands that the DNR order:
Correct answer: B - Requires a required reconsideration discussion with the patient to determine goals for the procedure
A circulating nurse is selecting the appropriate reprocessing method for a flexible bronchoscope that was used on a patient with suspected active pulmonary tuberculosis. According to the Spaulding classification, this device requires:
Correct answer: C - High-level disinfection at minimum, as the device is classified as a semi-critical item
A surgeon requests local infiltration with 0.5% bupivacaine plain for a 60 kg patient undergoing a breast biopsy under monitored anesthesia care. The maximum safe volume the surgeon can administer is:
Correct answer: B - 30 mL
The circulating nurse is preparing to give a verbal handoff report to the PACU nurse after a 4-hour spinal fusion. Using the SBAR framework, which of the following statements belongs in the Assessment component of the report?
Correct answer: C - Current blood pressure is 142/88, heart rate 76, SpO₂ 98% on 2 L nasal cannula, pain rated 6 out of 10
A scrub technician asks the circulating nurse whether the Health Care Industry Representative (HCIR) who arrived with a loaner spinal implant tray can scrub in to assist the surgeon with device assembly during the procedure. The circulating nurse's BEST response is:
Correct answer: B - The representative may provide verbal guidance but may not scrub in or directly handle sterile items unless licensed and credentialed
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