CNOR 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.
Q11Which of the following should talk with the patient and obtain the informed consent form prior to surgery?
✓ Correct answer: D. 【1】The surgeon
The surgeon is the person that needs to talk with the patient, explaining the surgical procedure and the risks involved. <br/><br/>They should also discuss the benefits of the surgery and the alternatives to the surgery. <br/><br/>After discussing these with the patient, the physician should then document the process and have the patient sign the consent form.
Q12Which of the following are considered nursing interventions for a patient with a diagnosis of impaired social interaction?
✓ Correct answer: B. 【3】Review nonverbal behaviors with the patient that may suggest hostility or aloofness.
The nurse can review nonverbal behaviors with the patient that may suggest hostility or aloofness. Often, people may be unaware of their own presence or how their nonverbal behaviors appear to others. <br/><br/>Through their teaching, the nurse can discuss what behaviors the patient exhibits that may alienate others and help them to understand how to replace these with positive nonverbal behaviors.
Q13When documenting a sponge count during a surgical procedure, what specific aspects should be included?
✓ Correct answer: C. 【3】Both A and C
When documenting a sponge count in a surgical procedure, it is essential for the nurse to record both the person responsible for the count and the count results. <br/><br/>The frequency of sponge counts during a procedure is determined by the hospital's policy. By accurately counting sponges and recording the counts, as well as documenting any necessary actions taken in case of incorrect counts, the surgical staff demonstrates their commitment to minimizing the risk of leaving a sponge inside a patient's body.
Q14When skin prep is being done, which of the following might be considered contaminated areas?
✓ Correct answer: D. 【2】Both A and B
Some of the contaminated areas might include:<br/><br/>Traumatic wounds<br/><br/>Umbilicus<br/><br/>Stomas<br/><br/>Skin ulcers<br/><br/>Vagina<br/><br/>Anus<br/><br/>Any foreign substances<br/><br/>Areas prepped for grafts.
Q15According to the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG), which of the following statements would be considered correct regarding postoperative wound infections?
✓ Correct answer: C. 【3】Patient and family education would be considered very important for prevention of postoperative wound infections.
Patient and family education would be considered very important for prevention of postoperative wound infections. <br/><br/>The NPSG discusses the importance of helping to prevent infections that are hospital associated and include that the education must be documented in the medical record of the patient.
Q16A patient is being admitted for surgery and during the initial assessment, the nurse notices that they barely respond to any questions directed toward them. They appear to hear the nurse’s questions, but their voice is monotone and their facial expression does not change. <br/><br/>What type of abnormality of affect is this patient displaying?
✓ Correct answer: D. 【0】Flat
The patient who rarely responds to questions, speaks in a monotone voice and does not change facial expressions is displaying a flat affect.<br/><br/>This type of abnormality is further characterized by a lack of demonstration of any feelings. <br/><br/>A flat affect may be related to other, underlying psychological conditions that are part of the patient’s history.
Q17Metochlopramide is sometimes administered as a medication prior to surgery to:
✓ Correct answer: D. 【1】Reduce risk of aspiration
Metoclopramide is a medication that is sometimes administered prior to surgery to reduce the risk of aspiration. Aspiration occurs when stomach contents, including gastric acid and bacteria, enter the lungs. This can lead to pneumonia or other respiratory complications. Metoclopramide works by increasing the movement of the muscles in the digestive tract, which helps to empty the stomach and reduce the likelihood of regurgitation and aspiration during surgery.
Q18A nurse conducting a preoperative assessment observes that the patient exhibits stuttering and speaks in a soft voice when responding to questions. <br/><br/>The most probable nursing diagnosis for this patient would be:
✓ Correct answer: A. 【3】Impaired verbal communication related to fear of surgery
During the assessment of a patient admitted for surgery, if the patient is exhibiting symptoms such as stuttering and speaking softly, it is probable that they would be diagnosed with impaired verbal communication due to fear of the surgery. Stuttering and speaking softly are indications that the patient is experiencing challenges in effectively communicating, possibly due to shyness, nervousness, or a speech impediment. <br/><br/>In response, the nurse should assess the underlying reasons for these communication difficulties and determine if the patient requires additional support in expressing their needs.
Q19Which of the following should occur prior to making the surgical incision?
✓ Correct answer: C. 【0】The entire team pauses for a time out.
The entire team pauses for a time out. During this time out, the surgical site on the consent form is read aloud and all steps of the surgery such as if the correct implants or special equipment that will be needed is there and correct. <br/><br/>All of the processes of the time out should be well documented on the patients chart.
Q20During the interview at admission, the nurse questions the patient about any recent changes in sense of taste or smell. <br/><br/>What is the rationale for this type of question?
✓ Correct answer: B. 【2】To determine if the patient is at risk for altered nutrition.
When the nurse asks questions of the patient about any recent changes in sense of taste or smell, they are trying to determine if the patient is at risk for altered nutrition. <br/><br/>Recent sensory changes such as these may affect the patient’s eating habits prior to admission for surgery. <br/><br/>Because surgery may involve a period of time when the patient will not be allowed to eat, the patient with changes in the senses associated with eating may be at further risk of altered nutritional status.
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