NURS 3730 FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | NURS
3730 FINAL STUDY GUIDE & PRACTICE TEST 2026/2027
perioperative period: from______ to ________ - ANS ✔✔from the time the pt finds out they're having
surgery to the time they leave. (preop, entrap, postop)
core safety measures and how we achieve them in the pre-op period - ANS ✔✔*Infection Prevention*
-->Abx before incision, right before pt goes back for surgery
-->Must be started between an hour before surgery
-->If continued, should be d/c 24hrs post op
*Hair removal*
-->Use SURGICAL CLIPPERS, not a razor. razors can break skin and increase chance of infection
*Urinary catheter*
-->Usually d/c after surgery
-->If not, should be d/c by postop day 1 or 2
-->Need an order to d/c, but nurses should be watching for the criteria the pt must meet to d/c. call dr
and ask if its really necessary!
*Controlled BG in cardiac (and diabetic) Pts*
-->Decreases risk of infection
-->Cardiac pts- BG LESS THAN 200 prior to surgery
*Prevention of Cardiac Events*
Beta Blockers may be started on even if they weren't on one before
*DVT Prevention*
risk factors for complications in surgery for adults over 65 - ANS ✔✔*CHART 14-2*
malnutrition, allergies, increased risk for cardiac and pulmonary complications, may have decreased self
care, lack of support
which herbal supplements may cause an increased risk for complications during surgery - ANS ✔✔St.
johns wort, ginseng, fish oil, garlic supplements
things to pay attention to during your pre-op physical assessment - ANS ✔✔abnormal findings--> report
to surgeon! Chart very carefully and detailed
risk for falls
prosthetics--> make sure they are removed and given to a family member. do not leave in pt room alone
skin--> thorough assessment!! can have skin breakdown during longer surgeries, especially in older pts
psychosocial assessment!!
components of the time out before surgery - ANS ✔✔RIGHT....
-patient
-side/site
-position
-procedure
,how must the correct site be verified before a procedure - ANS ✔✔pt and surgeon must do it
TOGETHER, before pt has been given any meds
-will initial correct site, may draw a big X on the wrong site
what kind of lab and imaging studies might a pt have before surgery - ANS ✔✔CBC
UA
type and screen
clotting studies
electrolytes
--> HYPERKALEMIA (dysrhythmias)
--> HYPOKALEMIA (slows recovery, risk of dig toxicity)
pregnancy test
chest Xray
EKG
pt and family education pre-op - ANS ✔✔*NPO Status:* Tell them what time they should stop eating!! 6-
8hrs before. For babies who are breastfed, will be different. Usually just a few hours
-->Prevents aspiration!! Want to make sure they don't start vomiting during anesthesia
*Medications (what to take or not take before procedure)*: Make sure they take it with JUST A SIP of
water. Probably will take BB, but not insulin, NSAIDs, supplements, etc. Talk to MD
*Preop preparations*-skin/bowel: Make sure they understand the directions. Explain verbally, and give
pamphlet/written instructions, etc. Make sure they DO NOT shave anything (razor!!). Pt will have to
bathe in antibacterial soap before. Make sure they understand WHEN to take bowel prep, what they can
eat after, etc
*Preadmission testing:* CBC, lab studies, etc. pt must understand WHEN to get those done. Need them
close to time of surgery
*Exercises*: Begin postop teaching as soon as they find out theyre having surgery. Bedrest? Ambulation?
ROM? How soon?
*Breathing/Incentive spirometry*:Make sure they know to USE the incentive spirometer, take deep
breaths often.
*Coughing and splinting:* Splint abd if had abd surgery, cough often
*DVT prevention:* Talk to them abt TED hose and SCDs, lovenox
*Pain management:* Tell them how pain will be controlled, what med they'll be sent home on, etc. Get
meds filled prior to surgery so its ready for them. Maybe IV first, but make sure you get them
comfortable on PO meds so they can go home with them. Teach them about PCA pumps
*Person to care for patient*: AT LEAST for first 24hrs. Most are o/p, meaning they will leave a few hours
after surgery. NEED someone with them first 24hrs. Should not be left alone
*Anxiety:*talk with them, have them express concerns, etc
*Smoking:* decreased amt of blood flow to body--> slower healing-->more infection risk
*Autologous bl
components of informed consent - ANS ✔✔What and Why
Who
Other options
Risks and outcomes
Risks of anesthesia: usually completely separate consent, done by anesthesia provider
,your job as a nurse w/ informed consent - ANS ✔✔"You, as a nurse, are not responsible for providing
detailed information about the surgical procedure. Rather, your role is to clarify facts that have been
presented by the surgeon and dispel myths that the patient or family may have about the surgical
experience. You verify that the consent form is signed, and you serve as a witness to the signature, not
to the fact that the patient is informed" (Rock & Hoebeke, 2014).
Your job: watch the pt sign, the provider sign, and you witness saying that you WATCHED them sign. You
SHOULD NOT be the one explaining the procedure or asking the pt to sign. That is the PROVIDER'S job
If pt is questioning, confused, CALL PROVIDER. NOT YOUR JOB. You are the advocate
assent - ANS ✔✔should do w/ minors, make sure they know what will happen and are comfortable with
it. Not a legal document or anything, just explaining it all to them
allergies to know about before surgery - ANS ✔✔iodine/betadine--> shellfish
latex--> avocado, strawberries, bananas
propofol--> soy, peanuts, eggs
patient prep before surgery - ANS ✔✔clothes--> usually all removed, surgical gown on
TED/SCD placed
valuables--> should be placed w/ family member or placed with security in locked area. NOT left alone in
pt room
ID bands
metal items--> removed, even bobby pins, headbands, rings, etc
IV--> make sure it works
"on call" drugs--> No set time a pt should get this drug, just started when MD says "ok we're ready" (abx,
etc)
pre-op checklist--> hand off to intraop nurse
what do you do if a pt have a fever preop - ANS ✔✔report to surgeon
what do you do if a pt has BUN of 50 and cre of 0.9 pre-op when labs were normal yesterday - ANS
✔✔report to surgeon
what do you do if the pt has a hx of diabetes pre-op - ANS ✔✔check BG, ask when they last took insulin
glucophage, etc
what do you do if you are unable to establish IV access pre-op - ANS ✔✔call someone else, typically
anesthesia
what do you do if the family wants to establish a DNR order preop - ANS ✔✔call provider
what do you do if your pt has a prosthetic arm preop - ANS ✔✔remove it
what do you do if the pts wedding ring will not come off preop - ANS ✔✔tape it
What if during preop the patient states "I'm really scared, my mother died suddenly during surgery"?
whatcha gonna do - ANS ✔✔ask, "What are your concerns? How did your mother die? What
happened?"
, when would you tell a 2, 4, and 10yr about their surgery - ANS ✔✔2--> right before
4--> hours before
10--> day before
how would you teach pt preop ed if they have dementia? deaf? blind? cant read? - ANS ✔✔dementia-->
teach caregiver as well
deaf/blind--> interpreter
cant read--> verbally explain thoroughly and send home written instruction to caregiver/someone who
can read
diagnostic surgery - ANS ✔✔Determines origin and cause of disorder
curative surgery - ANS ✔✔Resolves health problem by repairing or removing cause
restorative surgery - ANS ✔✔Improves patient's functional ability
palliative surgery - ANS ✔✔Improves patient's functional ability
cosmetic surgery - ANS ✔✔Alters/enhances personal appearance
who is in charge of obtaining signed consent - ANS ✔✔surgeon, MD
pts at risk for VTE - ANS ✔✔Obese patients
Age 40 or older
History of cancer or decreased cardiac output
Decreased mobility, immobile, spinal cord injury
History of VTE, PE, varicose veins, edema
Oral contraceptives
Smoking
Hip fracture, total hip/knee surgery
what should the pt remove before the surgery - ANS ✔✔Dentures
Prosthetic devices
Hearing aids
Contact lenses
Fingernail polish
Artificial nails
All jewelry
examples of preop meds and why - ANS ✔✔Reduce anxiety (anxiolytics)
Promote relaxation (sedatives, hypnotics)
Reduce nasal and oral secretions (anticholinergic agents)
Prevent laryngospasm
Reduce vagal-induced bradycardia
Inhibit gastric secretion (H2 histamine blockers)
Decrease amount of anesthetic needed for induction and maintenance (opioids)
3730 FINAL STUDY GUIDE & PRACTICE TEST 2026/2027
perioperative period: from______ to ________ - ANS ✔✔from the time the pt finds out they're having
surgery to the time they leave. (preop, entrap, postop)
core safety measures and how we achieve them in the pre-op period - ANS ✔✔*Infection Prevention*
-->Abx before incision, right before pt goes back for surgery
-->Must be started between an hour before surgery
-->If continued, should be d/c 24hrs post op
*Hair removal*
-->Use SURGICAL CLIPPERS, not a razor. razors can break skin and increase chance of infection
*Urinary catheter*
-->Usually d/c after surgery
-->If not, should be d/c by postop day 1 or 2
-->Need an order to d/c, but nurses should be watching for the criteria the pt must meet to d/c. call dr
and ask if its really necessary!
*Controlled BG in cardiac (and diabetic) Pts*
-->Decreases risk of infection
-->Cardiac pts- BG LESS THAN 200 prior to surgery
*Prevention of Cardiac Events*
Beta Blockers may be started on even if they weren't on one before
*DVT Prevention*
risk factors for complications in surgery for adults over 65 - ANS ✔✔*CHART 14-2*
malnutrition, allergies, increased risk for cardiac and pulmonary complications, may have decreased self
care, lack of support
which herbal supplements may cause an increased risk for complications during surgery - ANS ✔✔St.
johns wort, ginseng, fish oil, garlic supplements
things to pay attention to during your pre-op physical assessment - ANS ✔✔abnormal findings--> report
to surgeon! Chart very carefully and detailed
risk for falls
prosthetics--> make sure they are removed and given to a family member. do not leave in pt room alone
skin--> thorough assessment!! can have skin breakdown during longer surgeries, especially in older pts
psychosocial assessment!!
components of the time out before surgery - ANS ✔✔RIGHT....
-patient
-side/site
-position
-procedure
,how must the correct site be verified before a procedure - ANS ✔✔pt and surgeon must do it
TOGETHER, before pt has been given any meds
-will initial correct site, may draw a big X on the wrong site
what kind of lab and imaging studies might a pt have before surgery - ANS ✔✔CBC
UA
type and screen
clotting studies
electrolytes
--> HYPERKALEMIA (dysrhythmias)
--> HYPOKALEMIA (slows recovery, risk of dig toxicity)
pregnancy test
chest Xray
EKG
pt and family education pre-op - ANS ✔✔*NPO Status:* Tell them what time they should stop eating!! 6-
8hrs before. For babies who are breastfed, will be different. Usually just a few hours
-->Prevents aspiration!! Want to make sure they don't start vomiting during anesthesia
*Medications (what to take or not take before procedure)*: Make sure they take it with JUST A SIP of
water. Probably will take BB, but not insulin, NSAIDs, supplements, etc. Talk to MD
*Preop preparations*-skin/bowel: Make sure they understand the directions. Explain verbally, and give
pamphlet/written instructions, etc. Make sure they DO NOT shave anything (razor!!). Pt will have to
bathe in antibacterial soap before. Make sure they understand WHEN to take bowel prep, what they can
eat after, etc
*Preadmission testing:* CBC, lab studies, etc. pt must understand WHEN to get those done. Need them
close to time of surgery
*Exercises*: Begin postop teaching as soon as they find out theyre having surgery. Bedrest? Ambulation?
ROM? How soon?
*Breathing/Incentive spirometry*:Make sure they know to USE the incentive spirometer, take deep
breaths often.
*Coughing and splinting:* Splint abd if had abd surgery, cough often
*DVT prevention:* Talk to them abt TED hose and SCDs, lovenox
*Pain management:* Tell them how pain will be controlled, what med they'll be sent home on, etc. Get
meds filled prior to surgery so its ready for them. Maybe IV first, but make sure you get them
comfortable on PO meds so they can go home with them. Teach them about PCA pumps
*Person to care for patient*: AT LEAST for first 24hrs. Most are o/p, meaning they will leave a few hours
after surgery. NEED someone with them first 24hrs. Should not be left alone
*Anxiety:*talk with them, have them express concerns, etc
*Smoking:* decreased amt of blood flow to body--> slower healing-->more infection risk
*Autologous bl
components of informed consent - ANS ✔✔What and Why
Who
Other options
Risks and outcomes
Risks of anesthesia: usually completely separate consent, done by anesthesia provider
,your job as a nurse w/ informed consent - ANS ✔✔"You, as a nurse, are not responsible for providing
detailed information about the surgical procedure. Rather, your role is to clarify facts that have been
presented by the surgeon and dispel myths that the patient or family may have about the surgical
experience. You verify that the consent form is signed, and you serve as a witness to the signature, not
to the fact that the patient is informed" (Rock & Hoebeke, 2014).
Your job: watch the pt sign, the provider sign, and you witness saying that you WATCHED them sign. You
SHOULD NOT be the one explaining the procedure or asking the pt to sign. That is the PROVIDER'S job
If pt is questioning, confused, CALL PROVIDER. NOT YOUR JOB. You are the advocate
assent - ANS ✔✔should do w/ minors, make sure they know what will happen and are comfortable with
it. Not a legal document or anything, just explaining it all to them
allergies to know about before surgery - ANS ✔✔iodine/betadine--> shellfish
latex--> avocado, strawberries, bananas
propofol--> soy, peanuts, eggs
patient prep before surgery - ANS ✔✔clothes--> usually all removed, surgical gown on
TED/SCD placed
valuables--> should be placed w/ family member or placed with security in locked area. NOT left alone in
pt room
ID bands
metal items--> removed, even bobby pins, headbands, rings, etc
IV--> make sure it works
"on call" drugs--> No set time a pt should get this drug, just started when MD says "ok we're ready" (abx,
etc)
pre-op checklist--> hand off to intraop nurse
what do you do if a pt have a fever preop - ANS ✔✔report to surgeon
what do you do if a pt has BUN of 50 and cre of 0.9 pre-op when labs were normal yesterday - ANS
✔✔report to surgeon
what do you do if the pt has a hx of diabetes pre-op - ANS ✔✔check BG, ask when they last took insulin
glucophage, etc
what do you do if you are unable to establish IV access pre-op - ANS ✔✔call someone else, typically
anesthesia
what do you do if the family wants to establish a DNR order preop - ANS ✔✔call provider
what do you do if your pt has a prosthetic arm preop - ANS ✔✔remove it
what do you do if the pts wedding ring will not come off preop - ANS ✔✔tape it
What if during preop the patient states "I'm really scared, my mother died suddenly during surgery"?
whatcha gonna do - ANS ✔✔ask, "What are your concerns? How did your mother die? What
happened?"
, when would you tell a 2, 4, and 10yr about their surgery - ANS ✔✔2--> right before
4--> hours before
10--> day before
how would you teach pt preop ed if they have dementia? deaf? blind? cant read? - ANS ✔✔dementia-->
teach caregiver as well
deaf/blind--> interpreter
cant read--> verbally explain thoroughly and send home written instruction to caregiver/someone who
can read
diagnostic surgery - ANS ✔✔Determines origin and cause of disorder
curative surgery - ANS ✔✔Resolves health problem by repairing or removing cause
restorative surgery - ANS ✔✔Improves patient's functional ability
palliative surgery - ANS ✔✔Improves patient's functional ability
cosmetic surgery - ANS ✔✔Alters/enhances personal appearance
who is in charge of obtaining signed consent - ANS ✔✔surgeon, MD
pts at risk for VTE - ANS ✔✔Obese patients
Age 40 or older
History of cancer or decreased cardiac output
Decreased mobility, immobile, spinal cord injury
History of VTE, PE, varicose veins, edema
Oral contraceptives
Smoking
Hip fracture, total hip/knee surgery
what should the pt remove before the surgery - ANS ✔✔Dentures
Prosthetic devices
Hearing aids
Contact lenses
Fingernail polish
Artificial nails
All jewelry
examples of preop meds and why - ANS ✔✔Reduce anxiety (anxiolytics)
Promote relaxation (sedatives, hypnotics)
Reduce nasal and oral secretions (anticholinergic agents)
Prevent laryngospasm
Reduce vagal-induced bradycardia
Inhibit gastric secretion (H2 histamine blockers)
Decrease amount of anesthetic needed for induction and maintenance (opioids)
