CNOR EXAM (ACTUAL 2026/2027) TEST BANK
400 QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS /GRADED A+
1. The RN circulator is preparing the OR for a robotic hysterectomy when the
charge RN calls and says the surgeon has been called for an emergency
cesarean section. Which action indicates correct practice for a procedural
delay?
A) Leave the sterile field open and uncovered
B) Cover the sterile field with a sterile drape to minimize airborne contamination
C) Discard all sterile supplies and open new ones later
D) Cover the sterile field with a cloth towel
Answer B: Cover the sterile field with a sterile drape to minimize airborne
contamination
Rationale: The sterile field should be covered with a sterile drape if it will not be
used immediately, preventing airborne contamination while maintaining sterility .
2. A patient with a BMI of 43 is scheduled for a laparoscopic procedure in
Trendelenburg position. The RN voices concern to the surgeon and
anesthesia provider. The surgeon insists on Trendelenburg. What should the
RN anticipate doing?
A) Refuse to proceed with the procedure
,B) Prepare appropriate positioning devices and padding to minimize risks
C) Document the concern and proceed with standard positioning
D) Notify the nursing supervisor
Answer B: Prepare appropriate positioning devices and padding to minimize
risks
Rationale: The RN should anticipate using extra padding, arm supports, and
positioning devices to prevent injury and skin breakdown. The concern should be
documented, but the RN continues to ensure patient safety .
3. The perioperative RN should verify that intermittent pneumatic
compression (IPC) devices are functioning and applied at what time?
A) After induction of anesthesia
B) Before the administration of regional or general anesthesia
C) When the patient arrives in the PACU
D) After the surgical incision is made
Answer B: Before the administration of regional or general anesthesia
Rationale: IPC devices should be applied before anesthesia induction to prevent
venous stasis, as anesthesia decreases venous return due to loss of leg muscle
contraction .
4. Which of the following is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent
whose action cannot be reversed pharmaceutically?
A) Rocuronium
,B) Vecuronium
C) Succinylcholine
D) Cisatracurium
Answer C: Succinylcholine
Rationale: Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker. Unlike non-
depolarizing agents (rocuronium, vecuronium, cisatracurium), its effects cannot be
reversed with cholinesterase inhibitors such as neostigmine .
5. During a procedure, the patient's right arm slipped out of the draw sheet
and may have been touching the side of the OR bed. Which nerves could be
injured?
A) Ulnar nerve only
B) Radial nerve only
C) Ulnar, radial, and medial nerves
D) Brachial plexus only
Answer C: Ulnar, radial, and medial nerves
Rationale: The ulnar, radial, and medial nerves in the arm could be injured when
the arms slip out of position. Proper padding and securement are essential to
prevent peripheral nerve injuries .
6. A patient is in the PACU after open reduction internal fixation of the right
femur. The patient is tachypneic, heart rate 160, agitated, and anxious. These
signs may indicate:
, A) Pain
B) Anxiety
C) Fat embolism syndrome
D) Infection
Answer C: Fat embolism syndrome
Rationale: Fat embolism syndrome presents with respiratory distress, tachycardia,
and mental status changes (anxiety, agitation) within 24–72 hours of long bone
fracture surgery .
7. The RN circulator is preparing to transfer local anesthetic to the scrub
person. What is the correct procedure?
A) Pour directly from the bottle onto the sterile field
B) Use sterile technique when transferring medication to the sterile field
C) Have the scrub person reach over the sterile field to take the bottle
D) Pour the medication onto a sterile towel
Answer B: Use sterile technique when transferring medication to the sterile
field
Rationale: Medications are transferred using sterile technique, often by the
circulator pouring into a sterile container on the back table while maintaining
sterility .
8. What is the perioperative RN's role regarding a tissue specimen when the
surgeon is describing the site and identity?
400 QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS /GRADED A+
1. The RN circulator is preparing the OR for a robotic hysterectomy when the
charge RN calls and says the surgeon has been called for an emergency
cesarean section. Which action indicates correct practice for a procedural
delay?
A) Leave the sterile field open and uncovered
B) Cover the sterile field with a sterile drape to minimize airborne contamination
C) Discard all sterile supplies and open new ones later
D) Cover the sterile field with a cloth towel
Answer B: Cover the sterile field with a sterile drape to minimize airborne
contamination
Rationale: The sterile field should be covered with a sterile drape if it will not be
used immediately, preventing airborne contamination while maintaining sterility .
2. A patient with a BMI of 43 is scheduled for a laparoscopic procedure in
Trendelenburg position. The RN voices concern to the surgeon and
anesthesia provider. The surgeon insists on Trendelenburg. What should the
RN anticipate doing?
A) Refuse to proceed with the procedure
,B) Prepare appropriate positioning devices and padding to minimize risks
C) Document the concern and proceed with standard positioning
D) Notify the nursing supervisor
Answer B: Prepare appropriate positioning devices and padding to minimize
risks
Rationale: The RN should anticipate using extra padding, arm supports, and
positioning devices to prevent injury and skin breakdown. The concern should be
documented, but the RN continues to ensure patient safety .
3. The perioperative RN should verify that intermittent pneumatic
compression (IPC) devices are functioning and applied at what time?
A) After induction of anesthesia
B) Before the administration of regional or general anesthesia
C) When the patient arrives in the PACU
D) After the surgical incision is made
Answer B: Before the administration of regional or general anesthesia
Rationale: IPC devices should be applied before anesthesia induction to prevent
venous stasis, as anesthesia decreases venous return due to loss of leg muscle
contraction .
4. Which of the following is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent
whose action cannot be reversed pharmaceutically?
A) Rocuronium
,B) Vecuronium
C) Succinylcholine
D) Cisatracurium
Answer C: Succinylcholine
Rationale: Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker. Unlike non-
depolarizing agents (rocuronium, vecuronium, cisatracurium), its effects cannot be
reversed with cholinesterase inhibitors such as neostigmine .
5. During a procedure, the patient's right arm slipped out of the draw sheet
and may have been touching the side of the OR bed. Which nerves could be
injured?
A) Ulnar nerve only
B) Radial nerve only
C) Ulnar, radial, and medial nerves
D) Brachial plexus only
Answer C: Ulnar, radial, and medial nerves
Rationale: The ulnar, radial, and medial nerves in the arm could be injured when
the arms slip out of position. Proper padding and securement are essential to
prevent peripheral nerve injuries .
6. A patient is in the PACU after open reduction internal fixation of the right
femur. The patient is tachypneic, heart rate 160, agitated, and anxious. These
signs may indicate:
, A) Pain
B) Anxiety
C) Fat embolism syndrome
D) Infection
Answer C: Fat embolism syndrome
Rationale: Fat embolism syndrome presents with respiratory distress, tachycardia,
and mental status changes (anxiety, agitation) within 24–72 hours of long bone
fracture surgery .
7. The RN circulator is preparing to transfer local anesthetic to the scrub
person. What is the correct procedure?
A) Pour directly from the bottle onto the sterile field
B) Use sterile technique when transferring medication to the sterile field
C) Have the scrub person reach over the sterile field to take the bottle
D) Pour the medication onto a sterile towel
Answer B: Use sterile technique when transferring medication to the sterile
field
Rationale: Medications are transferred using sterile technique, often by the
circulator pouring into a sterile container on the back table while maintaining
sterility .
8. What is the perioperative RN's role regarding a tissue specimen when the
surgeon is describing the site and identity?
