CNOR Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

Question 1

While assessing a patient in recovery from abdominal surgery, a perioperative nurse observes an alarming occurrence: blood flowing out of the incision site, followed by loops of intestine.

What immediate intervention is required in the case of an abdominal evisceration?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

【3】Both B and C. The correct answer is D) Both B and C.

In the event of an abdominal evisceration, the nurse should promptly notify the surgeon about the need for surgical intervention and place sterile dressings moistened with saline over the exposed intestines.

An abdominal evisceration is a critical complication that can occur due to postoperative wound dehiscence.

To safeguard the intestines from harm and minimize the risk of infection, the nurse should cover the wound and await the arrival of the surgeon, rather than attempting to reposition the abdominal contents.

Question 2

Oil, anesthesia machines, and petroleum products would be considered which of the following?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

【1】Flammable agents. Oil, anesthesia machines, and petroleum products are flammable agents. Cylinders of compressed gas, grease, any flammable antiseptic that contains alcohol or fat solvents, bowel gases, and others need to be safeguarded.

Question 3

The statement which would not be considered correct regarding the transportation of a hazardous drug to the surgery suite would be considered?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

【2】The container that the drugs are transported in must be yellow in color.. The following statements would be considered correct regarding the transportation of a hazardous drug to the surgery suite:

The container that the drugs are in should be labeled with a warning sign.

The container that the drugs are in should be leak proof.

The drugs should have luer caps and needles on them.

The container should be resistant to cracking or breaking.

Question 4

The current annual average estimation of surgical fires in the United States is:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

【1】200 to 240. Surgical fires are a serious safety concern in the healthcare field. The current annual average estimation of surgical fires in the United States is between 200 to 240 incidents. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of this range and take the necessary precautions to minimize the occurrence of surgical fires through proper protocols, training, and adherence to safety guidelines.

Question 5

The perioperative nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube when they notice an extensive amount of bubbling in the water seal chamber of the device. The patient has developed cyanosis and shallow breathing.

What is the nurse’s next action?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

【3】Notify the physician.. The correct answer is D) Notify the physician.

The nurse should notify the physician. If the water seal chamber starts bubbling excessively and there is not an outside leak, the patient could be retaining air within the pleural cavity. Based on the patient’s response of cyanosis and shallow breathing, the chest tube is not working correctly and the physician needs to be notified.

Question 6

When preparing to administer oxygen via a nasal cannula to a patient with low levels of oxygen in their blood, what is the correct sequence of connecting the various components starting from the oxygen source in the wall until reaching the patient?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

【1】Flow meter, connector, humidifier, tubing, patient. The correct answer is B) Flow meter, connector, humidifier, tubing, patient.

The oxygen is connected to the patient in a sequential order, starting from the wall source and moving through the flow meter, connector, humidifier, and tubing.

The flow meter, which is connected to the oxygen source, is responsible for regulating the amount of oxygen delivered to the patient. The oxygen then passes through the humidifier, where moisture is added to prevent drying. Finally, the oxygen is delivered to the patient through the tubing.

Question 7

Which of the following scenarios would be reported as a sentinel event, as per the Joint Commission's guidelines?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

【0】A patient who received surgery on the wrong part of the body. The correct answer is A) A patient who received surgery on the wrong part of the body.

According to the Joint Commission guidelines, a patient undergoing surgery on the wrong body part or wrong patient is considered a sentinel event. This type of event is categorized as unexpected and involves the risk of death or severe, permanent physical injury.

Question 8

When a nurse fails to perform a standard of care that another reasonable and prudent nurse would perform, this is referred to as:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

【1】Negligence. Negligence occurs when a nurse fails to perform a standard of care that another reasonable and prudent nurse would perform. Negligent behavior by nurses often makes up malpractice court claims.

When a nurse is negligent in their behavior, they are acting without thinking, not paying attention to what they are doing, or they are being purposefully reckless.

Question 9

When preparing to assist a patient with walking for the first time after surgery, which of the following is not a factor to be considered when planning to provide help?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

【2】The amount of time needed. When preparing to help a patient walk, the amount of time needed is not necessarily a factor to be considered when planning to provide help.

The nurse should exercise patience with the person who is getting up for the first time, as being too eager or trying to move too quickly can result in falls or injuries.

The size of the room is important to determine if the patient has enough room to move around chairs or obstacles; the weight of the patient and use of assistive devices are necessary to determine how many people are needed for help.

Question 10

A patient has been admitted to the prep center that speaks no English. Of the following options, which would be the best choice for an interpreter?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

【2】A trained interpreter.. The other 3 options are not the ideal person to interpret. The appropriate choice would be a trained interpreter.

CNOR Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

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