Perioperative Nursing Exam 2026/2027: 80
NCLEX-Style Questions & Answers on
Preoperative, Intraoperative, Postoperative
Care, SCIP Measures, and Surgical
Complications — Complete Study Guide for
Nursing Students
Description:
Master perioperative nursing with this comprehensive 2026/2027 examination featuring 80
NCLEX-style questions covering preoperative assessment, intraoperative management,
postoperative complications, SCIP measures, informed consent, and anesthesia
considerations. Each question includes detailed rationales to reinforce evidence-based practice.
Perfect for exam prep, NCLEX review, and clinical rotations.
Download the complete study guide today and pass with confidence!
,Perioperative Nursing Exam 2026/2027: 80 NCLEX-Style Questions
Instructions: Select the best answer for each multiple-choice question. Each question is worth 2
points unless otherwise specified.
Section I: Phases of Perioperative Care
1. The intraoperative phase of perioperative nursing begins when the patient is transferred to the
operating room bed and ends with:
A. The first surgical incision.
B. The transfer of the patient to the intensive care unit.
C. Admission to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).
D. The administration of the first dose of preoperative antibiotics.
Answer: C
Explanation: The intraoperative phase is precisely defined from the patient's transfer to the OR
bed until their admission to the PACU. The preoperative phase concludes with transfer to the OR
bed, and the postoperative phase begins with PACU admission.
2. A nurse is preparing a patient for a scheduled procedure. The patient is transferred to the
operating room bed. According to the phases of perioperative care, which phase has the patient
just entered?
A. Preoperative Phase
B. Intraoperative Phase
C. Postoperative Phase
D. Pre-admission Phase
Answer: B
Explanation: The transition onto the OR bed marks the definitive endpoint of the preoperative
phase and the official start of the intraoperative phase, which encompasses all activities from that
moment until the patient arrives in the PACU.
,Section II: Classification of Surgery by Purpose and Urgency
3. A patient undergoes a surgical procedure to remove a malignant tumor in an attempt to
eradicate the disease. This surgery is classified as:
A. Diagnostic
B. Palliative
C. Curative
D. Rehabilitative
Answer: C
Explanation: Curative surgery aims to remove or repair a diseased organ or tissue with the goal
of curing the patient. Removing a tumor to eliminate cancer is a classic example, distinguishing
it from palliative procedures which focus on symptom relief.
4. A patient with advanced, inoperable cancer undergoes a surgical procedure to relieve severe
pain caused by a tumor pressing on a nerve. The primary purpose of this surgery is:
A. Diagnosis
B. Cure
C. Repair
D. Palliation
Answer: D
Explanation: Palliative surgery is performed to relieve symptoms (such as pain, obstruction, or
bleeding) and improve quality of life, without the expectation of curing the underlying disease.
This is distinct from procedures aimed at diagnosis, repair, or cure.
5. Which type of surgery is characterized as being based on the patient's personal preference and
is not essential for health or function?
A. Required surgery
B. Elective surgery
C. Urgent surgery
D. Optional surgery
, Answer: D
Explanation: Optional surgery is defined by patient choice. Unlike elective surgery, which is
advisable and could lead to significant consequences if delayed, or required surgery, which is
necessary within a longer timeframe, optional procedures are for personal preference (e.g.,
cosmetic rhinoplasty).
6. A patient is brought to the emergency department with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The
surgical team is activated for an immediate procedure. This is classified as:
A. Urgent surgery
B. Elective surgery
C. Emergent surgery
D. Required surgery
Answer: C
Explanation: Emergent surgery demands immediate attention to preserve life, limb, or vision. A
gunshot wound causing potential internal hemorrhage or bowel perforation meets this criterion,
unlike urgent surgery which has a slightly longer window (24-30 hours).
Section III: Preadmission Testing (PAT) and Patient Education
7. A primary goal of preadmission testing (PAT) is to:
A. Obtain a final signature for informed consent after premedication is given.
B. Initiate the nursing process and begin discharge planning.
C. Perform all preoperative assessments within 24 hours of surgery.
D. Confirm the patient's insurance coverage and financial responsibility.
Answer: B
Explanation: PAT is a critical phase where the nursing process begins with data collection. It
also serves as the ideal time to initiate discharge planning by assessing the patient's home
environment and potential need for post-discharge support.
NCLEX-Style Questions & Answers on
Preoperative, Intraoperative, Postoperative
Care, SCIP Measures, and Surgical
Complications — Complete Study Guide for
Nursing Students
Description:
Master perioperative nursing with this comprehensive 2026/2027 examination featuring 80
NCLEX-style questions covering preoperative assessment, intraoperative management,
postoperative complications, SCIP measures, informed consent, and anesthesia
considerations. Each question includes detailed rationales to reinforce evidence-based practice.
Perfect for exam prep, NCLEX review, and clinical rotations.
Download the complete study guide today and pass with confidence!
,Perioperative Nursing Exam 2026/2027: 80 NCLEX-Style Questions
Instructions: Select the best answer for each multiple-choice question. Each question is worth 2
points unless otherwise specified.
Section I: Phases of Perioperative Care
1. The intraoperative phase of perioperative nursing begins when the patient is transferred to the
operating room bed and ends with:
A. The first surgical incision.
B. The transfer of the patient to the intensive care unit.
C. Admission to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).
D. The administration of the first dose of preoperative antibiotics.
Answer: C
Explanation: The intraoperative phase is precisely defined from the patient's transfer to the OR
bed until their admission to the PACU. The preoperative phase concludes with transfer to the OR
bed, and the postoperative phase begins with PACU admission.
2. A nurse is preparing a patient for a scheduled procedure. The patient is transferred to the
operating room bed. According to the phases of perioperative care, which phase has the patient
just entered?
A. Preoperative Phase
B. Intraoperative Phase
C. Postoperative Phase
D. Pre-admission Phase
Answer: B
Explanation: The transition onto the OR bed marks the definitive endpoint of the preoperative
phase and the official start of the intraoperative phase, which encompasses all activities from that
moment until the patient arrives in the PACU.
,Section II: Classification of Surgery by Purpose and Urgency
3. A patient undergoes a surgical procedure to remove a malignant tumor in an attempt to
eradicate the disease. This surgery is classified as:
A. Diagnostic
B. Palliative
C. Curative
D. Rehabilitative
Answer: C
Explanation: Curative surgery aims to remove or repair a diseased organ or tissue with the goal
of curing the patient. Removing a tumor to eliminate cancer is a classic example, distinguishing
it from palliative procedures which focus on symptom relief.
4. A patient with advanced, inoperable cancer undergoes a surgical procedure to relieve severe
pain caused by a tumor pressing on a nerve. The primary purpose of this surgery is:
A. Diagnosis
B. Cure
C. Repair
D. Palliation
Answer: D
Explanation: Palliative surgery is performed to relieve symptoms (such as pain, obstruction, or
bleeding) and improve quality of life, without the expectation of curing the underlying disease.
This is distinct from procedures aimed at diagnosis, repair, or cure.
5. Which type of surgery is characterized as being based on the patient's personal preference and
is not essential for health or function?
A. Required surgery
B. Elective surgery
C. Urgent surgery
D. Optional surgery
, Answer: D
Explanation: Optional surgery is defined by patient choice. Unlike elective surgery, which is
advisable and could lead to significant consequences if delayed, or required surgery, which is
necessary within a longer timeframe, optional procedures are for personal preference (e.g.,
cosmetic rhinoplasty).
6. A patient is brought to the emergency department with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The
surgical team is activated for an immediate procedure. This is classified as:
A. Urgent surgery
B. Elective surgery
C. Emergent surgery
D. Required surgery
Answer: C
Explanation: Emergent surgery demands immediate attention to preserve life, limb, or vision. A
gunshot wound causing potential internal hemorrhage or bowel perforation meets this criterion,
unlike urgent surgery which has a slightly longer window (24-30 hours).
Section III: Preadmission Testing (PAT) and Patient Education
7. A primary goal of preadmission testing (PAT) is to:
A. Obtain a final signature for informed consent after premedication is given.
B. Initiate the nursing process and begin discharge planning.
C. Perform all preoperative assessments within 24 hours of surgery.
D. Confirm the patient's insurance coverage and financial responsibility.
Answer: B
Explanation: PAT is a critical phase where the nursing process begins with data collection. It
also serves as the ideal time to initiate discharge planning by assessing the patient's home
environment and potential need for post-discharge support.
