Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN) Exam practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q1Sterile surgical instruments need to be stored in an area:
✓ Correct answer: D. with controlled access
Sterile surgical instruments must be stored in a controlled access area to maintain sterility and ensure they are not contaminated before use. This restriction is necessary to safeguard patient safety and comply with sterilization protocols.
Q2In a perioperative setting, who is primarily responsible for communicating potential postoperative risks to a patient to obtain informed consent?
✓ Correct answer: D. physician.
Answer: physician. While perioperative nurses, surgical technologists, and anesthesiologist assistants can support the communication process, only a physician is responsible for discussing and obtaining consent by communicating risks and outcomes effectively.
Q3Which of the following teams is best suited for developing a new protocol for managing intraoperative emergencies?
✓ Correct answer: C. Anesthesiology, surgical services, nursing leadership
A team developing a protocol for intraoperative emergencies should include members from key areas such as anesthesiology for pain and sedation management, surgical services for procedural input, and nursing leadership for overall team coordination during emergencies. This ensures a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach, leading to effective and practical protocols.
Q4In a code blue situation in the operating room, the perioperative nurse is assisting with airway management. When should the nurse adjust or cease airway support? Time Audio Action to be Taken 0:00 Call for additional help 0:30 Start chest compressions 1:00 Provide positive pressure ventilation; ensure airway support. 2:00 If no response, prepare for advanced airway management 2:30 Anesthesia provider confirms airway secured
✓ Correct answer: C. Anesthesia provider confirms airway secured
In a code blue situation, airway management should be maintained until the anesthesia provider has confirmed the airway is secured to ensure patient safety and prevent aspiration.
Q5A patient in the mental health unit experiences a sudden and severe psychiatric emergency that threatens their life. The patient is unable to give consent, and their family is unavailable. What is the most appropriate action the nurse should take regarding consent for immediate intervention?
✓ Correct answer: A. Have the psychiatrist document the case as an emergency and proceed with the intervention
Answer: Have the psychiatrist document the case as an emergency and proceed with the intervention In a life-threatening psychiatric emergency, similar to a physical emergency, consent is not required to treat. It is essential to document that the situation is emergent and proceed with necessary interventions to stabilize the patient.
Q6In addition to hypotension and difficulty breathing, which of the following are primary signs of anaphylaxis during a surgical procedure?
✓ Correct answer: D. Urticaria (hives) and flushing.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur suddenly during surgery. It is characterized by cutaneous symptoms such as urticaria (hives) and flushing, in addition to respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms like hypotension and difficulty breathing. Recognition of these signs is crucial for prompt management and treatment.
Q7A patient with a cochlear implant is scheduled for a lithotripsy procedure to treat kidney stones. What precaution should the surgical team take to avoid complications related to the cochlear implant?
✓ Correct answer: B. Deactivate the cochlear implant prior to the procedure to prevent interference.
Lithotripsy involves the use of shock waves that can interfere with the functioning of a cochlear implant. To prevent any unexpected device activation or malfunction, the cochlear implant should be deactivated during the procedure. This ensures no interference between the lithotripter and the cochlear implant, thus avoiding any potential damage to the implant or patient.
Q8In perioperative nursing, evaluating the success of an intervention is crucial. Based on the table below, which intervention showed a more effective outcome for patient mobility recovery?
✓ Correct answer: A. Enhanced Recovery Program
The Enhanced Recovery Program shows a more effective outcome as it allows the patient to regain full range of motion in 72 hours. The measurement indicates a higher functionality level compared to merely being able to walk 200 meters.
Q9A 50-year-old patient with controlled asthma who occasionally uses a rescue inhaler is scheduled for an elective knee surgery. Based on the ASA classification, what would be the most appropriate classification for this patient?
✓ Correct answer: D. II
Answer: II An ASA classification of II indicates a patient with a mild systemic disease that does not significantly limit their activity. In this case, the patient has controlled asthma which is usually well-managed and does not severely impact daily activities.
Q10Which of the following is a potential intraoperative complication for a patient with pheochromocytoma?
✓ Correct answer: C. Hypertensive crisis.
Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal glands that secretes excessive catecholamines such as adrenaline, which can lead to hypertensive crisis during stressful situations such as surgery. This results in dangerously high blood pressure that needs immediate management. Other complications such as myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism can happen, but are not directly associated as primary complications in intraoperative settings concerning pheochromocytoma.
Use the free Perioperative Nurse CFPN sample, download the PDF, then unlock web-based timed mock exams for a full exam rehearsal.
Theory