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.
Q21A nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit is evaluating a patient's laboratory results. Analyze the following electrolyte levels: Electrolyte Measured Level (mmol/L) Potassium 3.2 Sodium 140 What do these findings indicate about the patient's postoperative condition?
✓ Correct answer: D. The patient's potassium level is below normal, indicating hypokalemia.
Answer: The patient's potassium level is below normal, indicating hypokalemia. Normal potassium levels range from 3.6 to 5.2 mmol/L. A level of 3.2 mmol/L is considered low, suggesting hypokalemia. The sodium level is within normal limits which is 135 to 145 mmol/L.
Q22In the context of perioperative care, establishing a climate where surgical team members can freely communicate safety concerns without fear of retribution is integral to team performance. This approach is known as:
✓ Correct answer: B. a just culture.
Answer: a just culture. A just culture encourages open communication by ensuring team members they will not be punished for voicing concerns. This approach helps improve safety and efficacy in perioperative settings.
Q23Considering the following surgical scenarios and instrument uses, identify the expected Spaulding Classification for a laparoscope used in abdominal surgery. Surgical Procedure Instrument Use Expected Spaulding Classification Cardiac Surgery Directly entering the bloodstream Critical Dental Cleaning Touching mucous membranes Semicritical Skin incision Contact with intact skin Noncritical Endoscopy Touch mucosal linings Semicritical
✓ Correct answer: A. Semicritical
A laparoscope used in abdominal surgery typically comes into contact with mucous membranes or penetrates sterile tissue, classifying it as Semicritical based on Spaulding's system. Critical classification applies to instruments that enter sterile body regions directly such as the cardiovascular system.
Q24Which of the following best describes the primary goal of using surgical smoke evacuation devices during operative procedures?
✓ Correct answer: C. To reduce the concentration of potentially harmful airborne particles during surgery.
Surgical smoke evacuation devices are critical in reducing the concentration of potentially harmful airborne particles produced during surgical procedures. This aligns with Universal Precautions, emphasizing the reduction of all potential risks to healthcare personnel and patients, similar to the prevention of pathogen transmission.
Q25During the preparation of a tray for cardiac surgery, the perioperative nurse should consider several factors for proper sterilization of instruments. Which of the following is an incorrect practice?
✓ Correct answer: A. Place the clamp forceps at the bottom of the tray, with delicate forceps on top.
Answer: Place the clamp forceps at the bottom of the tray, with delicate forceps on top. Instruments should be arranged with lighter and more delicate instruments on top of heavier ones to prevent damage and ensure proper sterilization.
Q26During the setup of a sterile field, the perioperative nurse notices a surgical technician is wearing a wristwatch. In accordance with the hospital's policy on minimizing contamination, the nurse should
✓ Correct answer: A. remind the surgical technician to remove the wristwatch immediately.
Hospital policies typically prohibit accessories like wristwatches during sterile procedures because they can harbor bacteria and compromise sterility. The correct action is to have the watch removed immediately to maintain compliance and ensure patient safety.
Q27In the maintenance of perioperative hand hygiene, what is the preferred frequency for testing the effectiveness of surgical scrub solutions?
✓ Correct answer: D. Daily
The effectiveness of surgical scrub solutions should be monitored daily to ensure the highest level of hand hygiene is maintained in the perioperative environment.
Q28A perioperative nurse must ensure the correct handling and disposal of surgical waste. All of the following items are considered regulated medical waste except:
✓ Correct answer: C. general office paper waste.
Answer: general office paper waste. General office paper waste is not typically contaminated with biological material and is therefore not considered medical waste. Items such as used surgical gloves, soiled dressings, and scalpel blades are classified as regulated medical waste due to potential contamination with bloodborne pathogens or other infectious materials.
Q29Based on the Spaulding classification system, how should an endoscope used in gastrointestinal procedures be classified in terms of infection risk?
✓ Correct answer: A. Critical
Answer: Critical Items to be sterilized or disinfected are classified as critical, semicritical, and noncritical based on the risk of infection for the patient. This is referred to as the Spaulding classification system. Endoscopes used in gastrointestinal procedures are considered critical because they come into contact with sterile areas or break the mucosal barrier. Therefore, they must be sterilized.
Q30In ensuring proper air quality control within an operating room, which method most effectively reduces the risk of infection transmission?
✓ Correct answer: A. Maintain positive pressure ventilation to prevent contaminants from entering the room
Positive pressure in an operating room ensures that air flows out of the room as doors are opened, preventing outside air, which might be contaminated, from flowing in. This is crucial for minimizing infection risks associated with airborne pathogens. While negative pressure systems are useful in containing airborne contaminants, they are not utilized in the OR due to their function of drawing air inward.
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