1
CPESC EXAM NEWEST ACTUAL EXAM /CPESC
EXAM PREPARATION/CPESC EXAM PRACTICE
COMPLETE 180 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
|ALREADY GRADED A+
1.
A patient arrives in the preoperative area for a procedure, and the
perioperative nurse notices that the procedure listed on the schedule
differs from the procedure written on one section of the patient's consent
documentation. The patient is unable to clearly explain the discrepancy
and states that the surgeon discussed “several possible procedures”
during the office visit. What is the most appropriate action by the nurse?
A. Continue preparing the patient because the surgical schedule is
usually correct
B. Ask a family member to decide which procedure the patient intended
C. Stop the process and obtain clarification from the appropriate
provider before proceeding
D. Change the consent form to match the surgical schedule
Answer: C
3.
During the final verification process before an invasive procedure, the
surgical team is discussing patient identity, procedure, site, positioning,
and availability of required equipment. One team member is distracted
and continues preparing instruments without actively participating.
Which action best supports the purpose of the safety verification
process?
A. Allow the procedure to continue because the team member has
participated in previous cases
,2
B. Require active attention and resolution of concerns before the
procedure begins
C. Ask the circulating nurse to complete the verification independently
D. Perform the verification after the incision to avoid delaying the
procedure
Answer: B
4.
A perioperative patient is being positioned for a prolonged surgical
procedure requiring the supine position. The patient has limited
mobility, increased body weight, and a history of peripheral neuropathy.
Which nursing intervention is most important for reducing the risk of
positioning-related injury?
A. Position the patient as quickly as possible to minimize anesthesia
time
B. Apply appropriate padding, maintain body alignment, and assess
areas vulnerable to pressure and nerve injury
C. Place all extremities in the same position regardless of the patient's
preexisting limitations
D. Avoid documenting the positioning because the surgical team can
observe the patient directly
Answer: B
5.
During a surgical procedure, the circulating nurse observes that the
patient's arm has gradually moved beyond the recommended position
and is no longer adequately supported. The surgeon requests that the
procedure continue without interruption because the operative field is
critical. What should the nurse do?
A. Wait until the end of the procedure to reposition the arm
B. Immediately address the unsafe positioning using appropriate
,3
communication and team coordination
C. Ignore the position because the surgeon has requested continuation
D. Document the concern after the procedure without changing the
patient's position
Answer: B
6.
A patient scheduled for surgery states that they consumed a full meal
shortly before arriving at the facility, despite previously receiving
fasting instructions. The patient has not yet received anesthesia. What is
the most appropriate action for the perioperative nurse?
A. Withhold the information to prevent cancellation of the procedure
B. Document the information and immediately communicate it to the
anesthesia provider and appropriate surgical team members
C. Proceed with the procedure because the patient signed the consent
form
D. Give the patient water to assist gastric emptying
Answer: B
7.
While performing the initial count before a surgical procedure, the scrub
person and circulating nurse obtain different results. No incision has
been made, and all items are believed to be present. What is the best
action?
A. Record the count as correct because the procedure has not started
B. Ignore the discrepancy until the final count
C. Stop and resolve the discrepancy according to established counting
procedures before proceeding
D. Ask another staff member to estimate which count is more likely to
be correct
, 4
Answer: C
8.
During a procedure involving multiple small surgical items, the
circulating nurse recognizes that an item has been removed from the
sterile field but has not been accounted for in the count. Which response
is most appropriate?
A. Assume the item will be located during the final count
B. Immediately communicate the discrepancy and follow the facility's
established process for resolving it
C. Add an estimated number to the documentation after the procedure
D. Wait until the patient reaches the recovery area before investigating
Answer: B
9.
A surgical team is preparing for a procedure requiring specialized
equipment. Immediately before the patient enters the operating room, the
nurse discovers that a required piece of equipment has not completed the
appropriate safety check. What should the nurse do?
A. Use the equipment because it was used successfully during a previous
procedure
B. Proceed only if the surgeon agrees to accept responsibility
C. Remove the equipment from use until its safety and operational status
have been appropriately verified
D. Use the equipment at a lower setting without further assessment
Answer: C
10.
A patient undergoing surgery develops an unexpected deterioration in
oxygen saturation shortly after positioning. The circulating nurse notices
CPESC EXAM NEWEST ACTUAL EXAM /CPESC
EXAM PREPARATION/CPESC EXAM PRACTICE
COMPLETE 180 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
|ALREADY GRADED A+
1.
A patient arrives in the preoperative area for a procedure, and the
perioperative nurse notices that the procedure listed on the schedule
differs from the procedure written on one section of the patient's consent
documentation. The patient is unable to clearly explain the discrepancy
and states that the surgeon discussed “several possible procedures”
during the office visit. What is the most appropriate action by the nurse?
A. Continue preparing the patient because the surgical schedule is
usually correct
B. Ask a family member to decide which procedure the patient intended
C. Stop the process and obtain clarification from the appropriate
provider before proceeding
D. Change the consent form to match the surgical schedule
Answer: C
3.
During the final verification process before an invasive procedure, the
surgical team is discussing patient identity, procedure, site, positioning,
and availability of required equipment. One team member is distracted
and continues preparing instruments without actively participating.
Which action best supports the purpose of the safety verification
process?
A. Allow the procedure to continue because the team member has
participated in previous cases
,2
B. Require active attention and resolution of concerns before the
procedure begins
C. Ask the circulating nurse to complete the verification independently
D. Perform the verification after the incision to avoid delaying the
procedure
Answer: B
4.
A perioperative patient is being positioned for a prolonged surgical
procedure requiring the supine position. The patient has limited
mobility, increased body weight, and a history of peripheral neuropathy.
Which nursing intervention is most important for reducing the risk of
positioning-related injury?
A. Position the patient as quickly as possible to minimize anesthesia
time
B. Apply appropriate padding, maintain body alignment, and assess
areas vulnerable to pressure and nerve injury
C. Place all extremities in the same position regardless of the patient's
preexisting limitations
D. Avoid documenting the positioning because the surgical team can
observe the patient directly
Answer: B
5.
During a surgical procedure, the circulating nurse observes that the
patient's arm has gradually moved beyond the recommended position
and is no longer adequately supported. The surgeon requests that the
procedure continue without interruption because the operative field is
critical. What should the nurse do?
A. Wait until the end of the procedure to reposition the arm
B. Immediately address the unsafe positioning using appropriate
,3
communication and team coordination
C. Ignore the position because the surgeon has requested continuation
D. Document the concern after the procedure without changing the
patient's position
Answer: B
6.
A patient scheduled for surgery states that they consumed a full meal
shortly before arriving at the facility, despite previously receiving
fasting instructions. The patient has not yet received anesthesia. What is
the most appropriate action for the perioperative nurse?
A. Withhold the information to prevent cancellation of the procedure
B. Document the information and immediately communicate it to the
anesthesia provider and appropriate surgical team members
C. Proceed with the procedure because the patient signed the consent
form
D. Give the patient water to assist gastric emptying
Answer: B
7.
While performing the initial count before a surgical procedure, the scrub
person and circulating nurse obtain different results. No incision has
been made, and all items are believed to be present. What is the best
action?
A. Record the count as correct because the procedure has not started
B. Ignore the discrepancy until the final count
C. Stop and resolve the discrepancy according to established counting
procedures before proceeding
D. Ask another staff member to estimate which count is more likely to
be correct
, 4
Answer: C
8.
During a procedure involving multiple small surgical items, the
circulating nurse recognizes that an item has been removed from the
sterile field but has not been accounted for in the count. Which response
is most appropriate?
A. Assume the item will be located during the final count
B. Immediately communicate the discrepancy and follow the facility's
established process for resolving it
C. Add an estimated number to the documentation after the procedure
D. Wait until the patient reaches the recovery area before investigating
Answer: B
9.
A surgical team is preparing for a procedure requiring specialized
equipment. Immediately before the patient enters the operating room, the
nurse discovers that a required piece of equipment has not completed the
appropriate safety check. What should the nurse do?
A. Use the equipment because it was used successfully during a previous
procedure
B. Proceed only if the surgeon agrees to accept responsibility
C. Remove the equipment from use until its safety and operational status
have been appropriately verified
D. Use the equipment at a lower setting without further assessment
Answer: C
10.
A patient undergoing surgery develops an unexpected deterioration in
oxygen saturation shortly after positioning. The circulating nurse notices
