CRNA Nurse Anesthesia 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.
Q1During induction of anesthesia in pediatric patients, which of the following conditions is most likely to cause bronchospasm?
✓ Correct answer: D. Asthma
Answer: Asthma Asthma is a condition characterized by hyper-reactivity of the airways, which can lead to bronchospasm during anesthesia induction. While other conditions like cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and Marfan syndrome may affect respiratory function, bronchospasm is most commonly associated with asthma.
Q2What is the most appropriate approach for providing anesthesia to a patient with a history of severe allergic reactions?
✓ Correct answer: A. There are no "one-size-fits-all" methods for providing anesthesia in these patients
Answer: There are no "one-size-fits-all" methods for providing anesthesia in these patients. Providing anesthesia to patients with a history of severe allergic reactions requires a tailored approach that considers the patient's specific allergies and medical history. It is not appropriate to use the same anesthesia method for all such patients.
Q3What are potential disadvantages of using opioids for managing postoperative pain in elderly patients? (Select 2.)
✓ Correct answer: D. They can cause cognitive dysfunction
Opioids are commonly used for postoperative pain management but can cause significant cognitive dysfunction and respiratory depression in elderly patients. They can be continued safely through the perioperative period if managed appropriately. The elderly are not particularly prone to overdose if dosages are carefully monitored.
Q4Which of the following factors most complicate accurate assessment of a patient's preoperative anxiety? (Select 2.)
✓ Correct answer: A. Fear of surgery
The two main factors that most complicate accurate assessment of a patient's preoperative anxiety are the fear of surgery and the underreporting of symptoms due to anxiety-related stigma. These underlying factors often cause patients to withhold information or downplay their anxiety, rather than the prejudiced assumption that anxious patients are irrationally fearful by nature. It is not accurate that most patients undergoing surgery are unaware of the surgical procedure or that preoperative anxiety cannot be effectively screened.
Q5Considering current perioperative transfusion standards, which of the following pediatric patients is most in need of a blood transfusion?
✓ Correct answer: A. A patient with sickle cell anemia whose hematocrit is 20%
Answer: A patient with sickle cell anemia whose hematocrit is 20% According to contemporary transfusion triggers, hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels are allowed to decrease to the following levels before transfusions are deemed necessary: Healthy pediatric patients: Hgb 7-8 g/dL or Hct 21-24% Pediatric patients with chronic conditions: Hgb 10 g/dL or Hct 30% The decision to transfuse should not be based solely on a lab value; clinical factors must also be taken into account.
Q6Which of the following best describes the rationale for routine preoperative fasting guidelines for a patient undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
✓ Correct answer: D. Routine preoperative fasting is recommended to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration
Answer: Routine preoperative fasting is recommended to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration Routine preoperative fasting prior to elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration. The aim is to ensure the stomach is empty during anesthesia induction, thereby minimizing the likelihood of regurgitation and inhalation of gastric contents, which can lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Other aspects such as managing blood glucose levels or preventing PONV are typically managed through other perioperative protocols.
Q7Which of the following complications is most common during regional anesthesia procedures?
✓ Correct answer: C. Hypotension
Answer: Hypotension Hypotension is the most common complication observed during regional anesthesia procedures due to the sympathetic blockade effect, which can lead to significant drops in blood pressure. Nausea and vomiting, although possible, are more frequently associated with general anesthesia. Laryngospasm and bleeding are less common in the regional anesthesia setting.
Q8Which of the following is an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction?
✓ Correct answer: A. Anaphylaxis
Answer: Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction that can cause severe, life-threatening symptoms including respiratory distress and circulatory collapse. Sepsis, hyperpyrexia, and fluid overload are not immune-mediated reactions.
Q9Which of the following best describes the main goal of perioperative nutritional optimization in surgical patients?
✓ Correct answer: D. Improving surgical outcomes through enhanced recovery
Answer: Improving surgical outcomes through enhanced recovery Perioperative nutritional optimization aims to enhance recovery and improve overall surgical outcomes. While minimizing preoperative fasting times can be a component, it is not the primary goal. Similarly, reducing intraoperative blood loss and controlling postoperative pain with fewer opioids are important, but not the main objectives of perioperative nutritional optimization.
Q10A 35-year-old female patient undergoing surgery for a fractured fibula requires a nerve block. The CRNA decides to administer a femoral nerve block. Which of the following areas is primarily anesthetized by the femoral nerve block?
✓ Correct answer: C. Anterior thigh and knee
Answer: Anterior thigh and knee The femoral nerve block is commonly used for surgeries involving the anterior thigh, knee, and femur. It provides excellent analgesia for procedures such as knee replacements and anterior thigh surgeries. The femoral nerve originates from the lumbar plexus and provides sensory and motor innervation to the anterior thigh and knee. The tibial nerve innervates the posterior leg and foot, the sciatic nerve innervates the posterior thigh and most of the leg and foot, and the obturator nerve innervates the medial thigh.
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