CNOR Exam: Questions With Precise Solutions
Which of the following is a common symptom of hyperkalemia?
A: Fever
B: Itching
C: Muscle rigidity
D: Weakness/ fatigue Right Ans - D: Weakness/ fatigue
Hypokalemia (increased in serum potassium) may be caused by renal failure
and may lead to respiratory and/or cardiac arrest. Metabolic or respiratory
acidosis can occur. Weakness, muscle fatigue, abnormal heart rhythms, chest
pain, nausea, and even paralysis are common symptoms of hyperkalemia.
However, many patients with hyperkalemia are asymptomatic.
Itching, muscle rigidity, and fever are not typically seen in association with
hyperkalemia.
Air exchanges remove dust and aerosol particles and reduce the number of
airborne organisms. The American Institute of Architects and the US
Department of Health and Human Services have made recommended
minimum number of air exchanges per hour in operating room?
A: 20 air exchanges with at least 4 being fresh air.
B: 15 air exchanges with at least 10 being fresh air.
C: 15 air exchanges with at least 3 being fresh air.
D: 20 air exchanges with at least 5 being fresh air. Right Ans - A: 20 air
exchanges with at least 4 being fresh air.
The American Institute of Architects and the US Department of Health and
Human Services recommended recirculation of filtered air at a minimum rate
of 20 volume exchanges per hour, at least 4 of which are fresh air. This is
considered safe and economical practice. A fire code in some states, however,
requires 100% outside fresh air. All air, whether recirculated or fresh, is
filtered before entering the OR. The system uses HEPA filters to remove
particles larger than 0.3 mm.
Cell saver (blood autotransfusion) is used to salvage a patient's blood,
centrifuge it, and return it to the patient. When would cell saver blood NOT be
returned to the patient?
A: When Avitene has been used during surgery.
B: When Hemopure has been used during surgery
V: When a malignant tumor has been found during surgery
,D: When heparin has been used during surgery Right Ans - A: When
Avitene has been used during surgery.
Autotransfusion is the process for reinfusing the patient's blood when a
transfusion is need; the patient's blood is the safest form of transfusion. Blood
salvage is not returned to the patient, however, when complications of
infection or clotting problems are likely; for example, when Avitene (a
microfibrillar collagen) is used during surgery for hemostasis. This may not
wash out when red blood cells are processed and can predispose the patient
to DIC or ARDS.
If a malignant tumor can be resected intact, autotransfusion may benefit the
patient with cancer. Heparin is used within the cell saver system itself.
Hemopure is a bovine hemoglobin solution being tested in the US and Europe.
When placing an endotracheal (ET) tube is a neonate, all of the following
statement s applies EXCEPT:
A: The tip of the ET tube should be positioned in the mid-trachea
B: The size of the ET tube is selected according to the width and length of the
trachea.
C: Make sure the infant has already been put to sleep by the anesthesia
provider.
D: If the process of introducing the ET tube takes longer than 30 seconds, the
patient needs ventilation at 100% before re-attempting intubation. Right
Ans - C: Make sure the infant has already been put to sleep by the anesthesia
provider.
When preforming intubation on a newborn or an infant, the patient may be
awake. A certain amount of jaw tightness can occur with some types of
anesthesia, making intubation process more difficult.
Always select endotracheal tubes (ET) based on the patients trachea
width/length. Make sure to ventilate the patient if intubation is not successful
after 30 seconds of trying. Resume the process after the patient is fully
oxygenated. When an ET tube is the proper place, it should be positioned
midway down the trachea to ensure adequate oxygenation during the surgical
procedure.
All of the following high-touch items in the ORs should be cleaned/disinfected
after each patient's surgery EXCEPT:
A: Lights
B: Wall and floors
C: Telephone
,D: Computers and accessories Right Ans - B: Wall and floors
High-touch OR surfaces which should be cleaned/disinfected after each
patient include lights, light switches, door handles and plates, telephone and
computer and accessories. According to AORN Standards, OR floors and walls
should be cleaned/disinfected after each patient's surgery IF soiled or
potentially soiled (splattered or splashed). Organic debris should promptly
removed from wall and other surfaces with a disinfectant to prevent drying
and airborne contamination. If not soiled, walls and floors need cleaning at the
end of the day's schedule.
Your patient states "I'm scared about not waking up from surgery." Which of
the following statements demonstrates paraphrasing?
A: "Are you scared that he anesthetist will make a mistake during surgery?"
B: "What is it that scares you about anesthesia?"
C: "Don't you trust us?"
D: "You're afraid you won't wake up?" Right Ans - D: "You're afraid you
won't wake up?"
Communication is effective only when the patient and caregiver understand
one another. Paraphrasing is taking what a patient has said and restarting it.
Paraphrasing shows that you are listening and that you have understood the
message in communication. It allows the speaker to clarify if their message
was not received correctly.
The other options do not reflect appropriate examples of paraphrasing.
Which of the following statements is TRUE related to loading packaged item in
to the steam sterilizer?
A: The most important items should be placed near the front in case you have
need for them during the cycle.
B: Tray should be stacked one on top of another so that more will fit in the
sterilizer.
C: It is permissible to put as many packages as can fit into the sterilizer.
D: Items should be placed on their side so that each packages, tray, or basin is
fully infiltrated. Right Ans - D: Items should be placed on their side so that
each packages, tray, or basin is fully infiltrated.
Place items on their sides, so flat surfaces are vertical, to allow steam to
infiltrate the packages thoroughly. Instrument trays and closed container
systems with perforated bottoms may lay flat.
Do not overload the racks or overfill the sterilizer. Large packs are placed 2 to
4 inches apart in only one layer on a shelf. Small packages may be placed on
, the shelf above with 1 to 2 inches between them. Steam must completely
surround and penetrate every package in all sterilizers. The sterilizer should
never be opened during a cycle.
Length of disinfection time (Kill time) depends on what factors?
A: Type of disinfectant and contact time
B: Concentration of the disinfectant and number of microorganisms present
C: Percentage or concentration of disinfectant
D: Contact time and concentration of the disinfectant Right Ans - B:
Concentration of the disinfectant and number of microorganisms present
Kill time is correlated with the concentration of the disinfectant and the
number of microorganisms present. Most disinfectant chemicals are used in
aqueous solution. Water brings the chemical and microorganism together.
With this water reaction, the process stops. Increasing the concentration of
the chemical may shorten exposure time, but not necessarily.
Factors that impact ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization include all the following
EXCEPT:
A: Exposure time
B: Item being sterilized
C: Concentration of EO gas
D: Temperature Right Ans - B: Item being sterilized
EO gas sterilization depends on four parameters: pressure with the chamber
(concentration of EO gas), exposure time, humidity (moisture), and
temperature. Each variable affects the other dependable parameters.
The items being sterilized are not a factor that impacts EO sterilization.
However, it does impact the amount of aeration time needed after sterilization
to render the item free of toxic byproducts and harmful residue that can form
in the presence of moisture during EO exposure.
Which organization sets standards for sterilization, electrical safety, and
patient monitoring?
A: Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
B: The Joint Commission
C: Environmental Protection Agency
D: Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Right Ans - A:
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
Which of the following is a common symptom of hyperkalemia?
A: Fever
B: Itching
C: Muscle rigidity
D: Weakness/ fatigue Right Ans - D: Weakness/ fatigue
Hypokalemia (increased in serum potassium) may be caused by renal failure
and may lead to respiratory and/or cardiac arrest. Metabolic or respiratory
acidosis can occur. Weakness, muscle fatigue, abnormal heart rhythms, chest
pain, nausea, and even paralysis are common symptoms of hyperkalemia.
However, many patients with hyperkalemia are asymptomatic.
Itching, muscle rigidity, and fever are not typically seen in association with
hyperkalemia.
Air exchanges remove dust and aerosol particles and reduce the number of
airborne organisms. The American Institute of Architects and the US
Department of Health and Human Services have made recommended
minimum number of air exchanges per hour in operating room?
A: 20 air exchanges with at least 4 being fresh air.
B: 15 air exchanges with at least 10 being fresh air.
C: 15 air exchanges with at least 3 being fresh air.
D: 20 air exchanges with at least 5 being fresh air. Right Ans - A: 20 air
exchanges with at least 4 being fresh air.
The American Institute of Architects and the US Department of Health and
Human Services recommended recirculation of filtered air at a minimum rate
of 20 volume exchanges per hour, at least 4 of which are fresh air. This is
considered safe and economical practice. A fire code in some states, however,
requires 100% outside fresh air. All air, whether recirculated or fresh, is
filtered before entering the OR. The system uses HEPA filters to remove
particles larger than 0.3 mm.
Cell saver (blood autotransfusion) is used to salvage a patient's blood,
centrifuge it, and return it to the patient. When would cell saver blood NOT be
returned to the patient?
A: When Avitene has been used during surgery.
B: When Hemopure has been used during surgery
V: When a malignant tumor has been found during surgery
,D: When heparin has been used during surgery Right Ans - A: When
Avitene has been used during surgery.
Autotransfusion is the process for reinfusing the patient's blood when a
transfusion is need; the patient's blood is the safest form of transfusion. Blood
salvage is not returned to the patient, however, when complications of
infection or clotting problems are likely; for example, when Avitene (a
microfibrillar collagen) is used during surgery for hemostasis. This may not
wash out when red blood cells are processed and can predispose the patient
to DIC or ARDS.
If a malignant tumor can be resected intact, autotransfusion may benefit the
patient with cancer. Heparin is used within the cell saver system itself.
Hemopure is a bovine hemoglobin solution being tested in the US and Europe.
When placing an endotracheal (ET) tube is a neonate, all of the following
statement s applies EXCEPT:
A: The tip of the ET tube should be positioned in the mid-trachea
B: The size of the ET tube is selected according to the width and length of the
trachea.
C: Make sure the infant has already been put to sleep by the anesthesia
provider.
D: If the process of introducing the ET tube takes longer than 30 seconds, the
patient needs ventilation at 100% before re-attempting intubation. Right
Ans - C: Make sure the infant has already been put to sleep by the anesthesia
provider.
When preforming intubation on a newborn or an infant, the patient may be
awake. A certain amount of jaw tightness can occur with some types of
anesthesia, making intubation process more difficult.
Always select endotracheal tubes (ET) based on the patients trachea
width/length. Make sure to ventilate the patient if intubation is not successful
after 30 seconds of trying. Resume the process after the patient is fully
oxygenated. When an ET tube is the proper place, it should be positioned
midway down the trachea to ensure adequate oxygenation during the surgical
procedure.
All of the following high-touch items in the ORs should be cleaned/disinfected
after each patient's surgery EXCEPT:
A: Lights
B: Wall and floors
C: Telephone
,D: Computers and accessories Right Ans - B: Wall and floors
High-touch OR surfaces which should be cleaned/disinfected after each
patient include lights, light switches, door handles and plates, telephone and
computer and accessories. According to AORN Standards, OR floors and walls
should be cleaned/disinfected after each patient's surgery IF soiled or
potentially soiled (splattered or splashed). Organic debris should promptly
removed from wall and other surfaces with a disinfectant to prevent drying
and airborne contamination. If not soiled, walls and floors need cleaning at the
end of the day's schedule.
Your patient states "I'm scared about not waking up from surgery." Which of
the following statements demonstrates paraphrasing?
A: "Are you scared that he anesthetist will make a mistake during surgery?"
B: "What is it that scares you about anesthesia?"
C: "Don't you trust us?"
D: "You're afraid you won't wake up?" Right Ans - D: "You're afraid you
won't wake up?"
Communication is effective only when the patient and caregiver understand
one another. Paraphrasing is taking what a patient has said and restarting it.
Paraphrasing shows that you are listening and that you have understood the
message in communication. It allows the speaker to clarify if their message
was not received correctly.
The other options do not reflect appropriate examples of paraphrasing.
Which of the following statements is TRUE related to loading packaged item in
to the steam sterilizer?
A: The most important items should be placed near the front in case you have
need for them during the cycle.
B: Tray should be stacked one on top of another so that more will fit in the
sterilizer.
C: It is permissible to put as many packages as can fit into the sterilizer.
D: Items should be placed on their side so that each packages, tray, or basin is
fully infiltrated. Right Ans - D: Items should be placed on their side so that
each packages, tray, or basin is fully infiltrated.
Place items on their sides, so flat surfaces are vertical, to allow steam to
infiltrate the packages thoroughly. Instrument trays and closed container
systems with perforated bottoms may lay flat.
Do not overload the racks or overfill the sterilizer. Large packs are placed 2 to
4 inches apart in only one layer on a shelf. Small packages may be placed on
, the shelf above with 1 to 2 inches between them. Steam must completely
surround and penetrate every package in all sterilizers. The sterilizer should
never be opened during a cycle.
Length of disinfection time (Kill time) depends on what factors?
A: Type of disinfectant and contact time
B: Concentration of the disinfectant and number of microorganisms present
C: Percentage or concentration of disinfectant
D: Contact time and concentration of the disinfectant Right Ans - B:
Concentration of the disinfectant and number of microorganisms present
Kill time is correlated with the concentration of the disinfectant and the
number of microorganisms present. Most disinfectant chemicals are used in
aqueous solution. Water brings the chemical and microorganism together.
With this water reaction, the process stops. Increasing the concentration of
the chemical may shorten exposure time, but not necessarily.
Factors that impact ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization include all the following
EXCEPT:
A: Exposure time
B: Item being sterilized
C: Concentration of EO gas
D: Temperature Right Ans - B: Item being sterilized
EO gas sterilization depends on four parameters: pressure with the chamber
(concentration of EO gas), exposure time, humidity (moisture), and
temperature. Each variable affects the other dependable parameters.
The items being sterilized are not a factor that impacts EO sterilization.
However, it does impact the amount of aeration time needed after sterilization
to render the item free of toxic byproducts and harmful residue that can form
in the presence of moisture during EO exposure.
Which organization sets standards for sterilization, electrical safety, and
patient monitoring?
A: Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
B: The Joint Commission
C: Environmental Protection Agency
D: Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Right Ans - A:
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
