CNAMB Exam Prep 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.
Q11A patient is being assessed preoperatively for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient also has a permanent pacemaker implanted. What will this affect in surgery?
✓ Correct answer: B. Electrocautery use will need to be carefully managed
Electrocautery can interfere with the functioning of a permanent pacemaker. Careful planning and management are required to avoid electromagnetic interference. Additionally, the use of bipolar electrocautery instead of monopolar may be considered. It is not necessary to perform the surgery open instead of laparoscopically, nor does the presence of a pacemaker mandate a blood transfusion or general anesthesia specifically.
Q12What effect does prolonged use of corticosteroids have on a patient's immune system?
✓ Correct answer: D. Prolonged use of corticosteroids suppresses the immune system.
Answer: Prolonged use of corticosteroids suppresses the immune system. Corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation and manage autoimmune diseases. However, their prolonged use can lead to suppression of the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. This suppressive effect is due to the inhibition of various immune responses, including the reduction of lymphocyte production and the inhibition of cytokine release.
Q13When transferring a postoperative patient to the ambulatory care unit, what is the most effective method for the nurse to confirm that the patient understands the postoperative care instructions and the outpatient medications they need to take?
✓ Correct answer: D. Ask the patient to verbalize their understanding of the outpatient care instructions and medication regimen, including schedules and dosages
Answer: Ask the patient to verbalize their understanding of the outpatient care instructions and medication regimen, including schedules and dosages. The teach-back method is crucial in verifying that the patient comprehends their outpatient care instructions. Patients may have various barriers to understanding written instructions alone, such as low literacy or other communication challenges. Simply asking patients if they have read the material or if they have questions might not be sufficient to confirm their understanding. Videos can support learning but do not allow the nurse to assess how much information the patient has retained. Personalized instruction should incorporate a mix of written, verbal, and visual methods tailored to the patient's needs.
Q14When should patient education about postoperative care begin?
✓ Correct answer: A. As soon as the surgery is scheduled or admitted for pre-op assessment
Answer: As soon as surgery is scheduled or during pre-op assessment. Early patient education allows the patient and their family to prepare adequately for the postoperative period, ensuring that necessary supplies, medications, and support systems are arranged ahead of time.
Q15A 50-year-old male patient has just undergone a radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation and is now being transferred to the PACU. The nurse understands that this patient requires which special intervention?
✓ Correct answer: B. The patient should be monitored closely for signs of bleeding and hematoma at the catheter insertion site.
Answer: The patient should be monitored closely for signs of bleeding and hematoma at the catheter insertion site. After radiofrequency ablation, patients are at risk for bleeding and hematoma formation at the catheter insertion site. It is crucial to monitor these areas closely to detect any complications early. Immediate anticoagulation therapy is not typically required unless specified by the physician, and keeping the patient NPO for 24 hours is not necessary.
Q16What is a direct complication of leaving a patient in a wet surgical drape during a procedure for an extended period?
✓ Correct answer: C. Skin maceration
Answer: Skin maceration If a patient remains in a wet surgical drape for an extended period, the moisture can cause the cell walls of individual skin cells to weaken and the pH of the skin to change. Over time, this can lead to maceration, where the epidermis becomes saturated and the connective tissue dissolves, making the skin more susceptible to injury.
Q17All of these are key practices for maintaining sterile technique during outpatient orthopedic surgery except which one?
✓ Correct answer: D. Reusing single-use instruments after proper sterilization
Answer: Reusing single-use instruments after proper sterilization In outpatient orthopedic surgery, maintaining sterile technique is crucial to prevent infections. Key practices include proper hand hygiene, using sterilized instruments and equipment, maintaining a sterile field, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Instruments labeled for single-use must not be reused, even after sterilization, as they are designed to be disposable and may not sustain the integrity required for safe use during surgery.
Q18While prepping a diabetic patient with a BMI over 35 for surgery, which of the following is NOT an appropriate intervention?
✓ Correct answer: B. Using multiple skin preps and letting the prep pool in any skin folds to ensure microorganism elimination
Answer: Using multiple skin preps and letting the prep pool in any skin folds to ensure microorganism elimination. Diabetic patients, especially those with a high BMI, are prone to various complications such as cardiac issues, respiratory distress, and delayed healing. Therefore, it's crucial to check the OR table's weight capacity, plan for possible intubation and anesthesia complications, and ensure that extra positioning aids and personnel are available. However, allowing multiple skin preps to pool in any skin folds can increase the risk of fire or chemical burns and is not recommended.
Q19During a laparoscopy, which nerve might be at risk of damage if a patient's head is positioned in extreme hyperflexion?
✓ Correct answer: C. The brachial plexus
Answer: The brachial plexus. Extreme hyperflexion of the head can stretch and compress the brachial plexus, leading to potential nerve damage. The radial nerve is primarily in the arm, while the femoral and saphenous nerves are located in the leg, making them less likely to be affected by head positioning.
Q20Why is cold saline irrigation preferred in managing a bleeding surgical site during laparoscopic surgery?
✓ Correct answer: C. Cold saline causes vasoconstriction, reducing bleeding
Cold saline is preferred because it causes vasoconstriction, which reduces blood flow and helps control bleeding. This is crucial for improving visibility and minimizing blood loss during surgery.
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