CNOR CERTIFICATION PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 | MOST TESTED | 200 VERIFIED Q&A |
MULTIPLE-CHOICES | DETAILED RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED - A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: PATIENT CARE & SAFETY (25%)
Questions 1-50
Question 1
A patient's lab reports show a slightly elevated total white blood cell count with equal elevations of all types of
white blood cells, an elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit, normal creatinine but elevated blood urea nitrogen
(BUN), increased urine specific gravity, and increased serum sodium. The most likely nursing diagnosis is:
A) Risk of infection
B) Deficient fluid volume
C) Excess fluid volume
D) Imbalanced nutrition
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The lab findings indicate hemoconcentration (elevated hemoglobin, hematocrit, BUN, urine
specific gravity, and sodium) which are classic signs of deficient fluid volume. The equal elevation of all white
blood cell types suggests concentration rather than infection (which would show a left shift with
predominance of neutrophils).
Question 2
Metoclopramide may be given as a preoperative medication in order to:
A) Relieve apprehension
B) Reduce risk of aspiration
C) Relieve discomfort
D) Control secretions
Correct Answer: B
, CNOR CERTIFICATION PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 | MOST TESTED | 200 VERIFIED Q&A |
MULTIPLE-CHOICES | DETAILED RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED - A+ GRADED
Rationale: Metoclopramide is a prokinetic agent that increases gastric emptying and reduces the risk of
aspiration by decreasing gastric volume. It is often given preoperatively to patients at risk for aspiration (e.g.,
those with delayed gastric emptying, hiatal hernia, or emergency surgery).
Question 3
A do-not-resuscitate order is most likely to be suspended and CPR performed if the patient experiences
cardiac arrest in the preoperative period because of:
A) Acute myocardial infarction
B) Drug reaction
C) Advanced cancer
D) Sepsis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: DNR orders are typically suspended in the perioperative period if the cause of arrest is directly
related to the procedure or anesthesia (such as a drug reaction). The assumption is that the arrest is iatrogenic
and potentially reversible. The order would be discussed with the patient or surrogate before surgery to clarify
wishes.
Question 4
A patient with an Aldrete score of 7 in the PACU will generally be:
A) Transferred out of the PACU to the surgical unit
B) Transferred out of the PACU into the ICU
C) Returned to the OR
D) Retained in the PACU until condition improves
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Aldrete score assesses recovery from anesthesia with a maximum score of 10. A score of 7 is
below the typical discharge threshold (usually 8-9), so the patient should be retained in the PACU until their
, CNOR CERTIFICATION PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 | MOST TESTED | 200 VERIFIED Q&A |
MULTIPLE-CHOICES | DETAILED RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED - A+ GRADED
condition improves. Components include activity, respiration, circulation, consciousness, and oxygen
saturation.
Question 5
All of the following can result from overpressurization during abdominal insufflation with CO₂ except:
A) Hypocarbia
B) Postoperative neck and shoulder pain
C) Decreased respiratory effort and cardiac output
D) Regurgitation and aspiration
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Overpressurization during laparoscopic insufflation can cause decreased respiratory effort and
cardiac output, postoperative shoulder pain (from diaphragmatic irritation), and regurgitation/aspiration.
However, it causes hypercarbia (not hypocarbia) due to CO₂ absorption and decreased ventilation.
Question 6
The perioperative nurse notes that the patient is taking garlic as a prophylactic cold remedy. This information
is reported to which of the following health care providers?
A) The anesthesia care provider, as the herb can prolong bleeding
B) The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA), as there will be less need for electrocautery
C) The AM admit nurse, since it is not necessary to hang an IV prophylactic antibiotic
D) The surgeon, to ensure that the patient's blood glucose is controlled
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Garlic has antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties that can prolong bleeding time. The
perioperative nurse should report garlic use to the anesthesia care provider because it may affect hemostasis
and could interact with other medications.
, CNOR CERTIFICATION PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 | MOST TESTED | 200 VERIFIED Q&A |
MULTIPLE-CHOICES | DETAILED RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED - A+ GRADED
Question 7
Which of the following actions demonstrates a key physical attribute of the RN circulator?
A) Quickly anticipating the needs of the team
B) Using eye-hand coordination
C) Remaining calm
D) Concentrating during long procedures
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Key physical attributes of the RN circulator include manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination
for tasks such as opening sterile supplies, assisting with positioning, and handling equipment. Anticipating
team needs, remaining calm, and concentration are cognitive and emotional attributes.
Question 8
The normal hematocrit for a patient aged 10 years ranges from:
A) 34% to 40%
B) 42% to 48%
C) 40% to 44%
D) 28% to 33%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The normal hematocrit for a 10-year-old child ranges from 34% to 40%. Hematocrit values vary
with age. For children aged 6-12 years, the normal range is 34-40%.
Question 9
A child is at risk of blunt intestinal trauma from:
MULTIPLE-CHOICES | DETAILED RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED - A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: PATIENT CARE & SAFETY (25%)
Questions 1-50
Question 1
A patient's lab reports show a slightly elevated total white blood cell count with equal elevations of all types of
white blood cells, an elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit, normal creatinine but elevated blood urea nitrogen
(BUN), increased urine specific gravity, and increased serum sodium. The most likely nursing diagnosis is:
A) Risk of infection
B) Deficient fluid volume
C) Excess fluid volume
D) Imbalanced nutrition
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The lab findings indicate hemoconcentration (elevated hemoglobin, hematocrit, BUN, urine
specific gravity, and sodium) which are classic signs of deficient fluid volume. The equal elevation of all white
blood cell types suggests concentration rather than infection (which would show a left shift with
predominance of neutrophils).
Question 2
Metoclopramide may be given as a preoperative medication in order to:
A) Relieve apprehension
B) Reduce risk of aspiration
C) Relieve discomfort
D) Control secretions
Correct Answer: B
, CNOR CERTIFICATION PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 | MOST TESTED | 200 VERIFIED Q&A |
MULTIPLE-CHOICES | DETAILED RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED - A+ GRADED
Rationale: Metoclopramide is a prokinetic agent that increases gastric emptying and reduces the risk of
aspiration by decreasing gastric volume. It is often given preoperatively to patients at risk for aspiration (e.g.,
those with delayed gastric emptying, hiatal hernia, or emergency surgery).
Question 3
A do-not-resuscitate order is most likely to be suspended and CPR performed if the patient experiences
cardiac arrest in the preoperative period because of:
A) Acute myocardial infarction
B) Drug reaction
C) Advanced cancer
D) Sepsis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: DNR orders are typically suspended in the perioperative period if the cause of arrest is directly
related to the procedure or anesthesia (such as a drug reaction). The assumption is that the arrest is iatrogenic
and potentially reversible. The order would be discussed with the patient or surrogate before surgery to clarify
wishes.
Question 4
A patient with an Aldrete score of 7 in the PACU will generally be:
A) Transferred out of the PACU to the surgical unit
B) Transferred out of the PACU into the ICU
C) Returned to the OR
D) Retained in the PACU until condition improves
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Aldrete score assesses recovery from anesthesia with a maximum score of 10. A score of 7 is
below the typical discharge threshold (usually 8-9), so the patient should be retained in the PACU until their
, CNOR CERTIFICATION PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 | MOST TESTED | 200 VERIFIED Q&A |
MULTIPLE-CHOICES | DETAILED RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED - A+ GRADED
condition improves. Components include activity, respiration, circulation, consciousness, and oxygen
saturation.
Question 5
All of the following can result from overpressurization during abdominal insufflation with CO₂ except:
A) Hypocarbia
B) Postoperative neck and shoulder pain
C) Decreased respiratory effort and cardiac output
D) Regurgitation and aspiration
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Overpressurization during laparoscopic insufflation can cause decreased respiratory effort and
cardiac output, postoperative shoulder pain (from diaphragmatic irritation), and regurgitation/aspiration.
However, it causes hypercarbia (not hypocarbia) due to CO₂ absorption and decreased ventilation.
Question 6
The perioperative nurse notes that the patient is taking garlic as a prophylactic cold remedy. This information
is reported to which of the following health care providers?
A) The anesthesia care provider, as the herb can prolong bleeding
B) The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA), as there will be less need for electrocautery
C) The AM admit nurse, since it is not necessary to hang an IV prophylactic antibiotic
D) The surgeon, to ensure that the patient's blood glucose is controlled
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Garlic has antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties that can prolong bleeding time. The
perioperative nurse should report garlic use to the anesthesia care provider because it may affect hemostasis
and could interact with other medications.
, CNOR CERTIFICATION PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 | MOST TESTED | 200 VERIFIED Q&A |
MULTIPLE-CHOICES | DETAILED RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED - A+ GRADED
Question 7
Which of the following actions demonstrates a key physical attribute of the RN circulator?
A) Quickly anticipating the needs of the team
B) Using eye-hand coordination
C) Remaining calm
D) Concentrating during long procedures
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Key physical attributes of the RN circulator include manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination
for tasks such as opening sterile supplies, assisting with positioning, and handling equipment. Anticipating
team needs, remaining calm, and concentration are cognitive and emotional attributes.
Question 8
The normal hematocrit for a patient aged 10 years ranges from:
A) 34% to 40%
B) 42% to 48%
C) 40% to 44%
D) 28% to 33%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The normal hematocrit for a 10-year-old child ranges from 34% to 40%. Hematocrit values vary
with age. For children aged 6-12 years, the normal range is 34-40%.
Question 9
A child is at risk of blunt intestinal trauma from:
