CRNA Nurse Anesthesia Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

Question 1

Which of the following are key principles of patient safety in anesthesia management? (Select 3.)

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Maintaining patient oxygenation. Key principles of patient safety in anesthesia management include maintaining patient oxygenation, appropriate monitoring of vital signs, ensuring proper medication administration, and maintaining a sterile field.

Question 2

Which of the following statements is correct about the use of herbal treatments in preoperative anxiety management?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

There is not sufficient research to indicate if herbal treatments effectively manage preoperative anxiety. Answer: There is not sufficient research to indicate if herbal treatments effectively manage preoperative anxiety Because of variations in the regulation and availability of herbal treatments, robust research indicating their effectiveness in managing preoperative anxiety is lacking.

Question 3

Which of the following is an indication for the use of regional anesthesia?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

High risk of thromboembolism. Answer: High risk of thromboembolism Regional anesthesia is often indicated for patients with a high risk of thromboembolism because it reduces the risk of clot formation compared to general anesthesia. Severe hypotension, severe infection at the site of injection, and severe aortic stenosis are contraindications for regional anesthesia.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the management of malignant hyperthermia is true?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Administering dantrolene is the most effective initial treatment for malignant hyperthermia.. Answer: Administering dantrolene is the most effective initial treatment for malignant hyperthermia. Malignant hyperthermia is a hypermetabolic crisis triggered by certain anesthetic agents. Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant that works by inhibiting calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and is the specific treatment for malignant hyperthermia. Immediate administration of dantrolene, along with supportive measures such as cooling and treating acidosis, is critical.

Question 5

During surgery, patients receiving large volumes of intravenous fluids with potassium are most at risk for which of the following electrolyte imbalances?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia. Answer: Hyperkalemia Large volumes of intravenous fluids that contain potassium can lead to elevated potassium levels in the blood, known as hyperkalemia. This is particularly dangerous as it can affect cardiac function and rhythm. Unlike sodium, calcium, or magnesium, potassium's primary role is intracellular, and an excess in the bloodstream can have profound effects.

Question 6

Which of the following patients is at the highest risk of developing postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) after surgery?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

An 82-year-old male patient undergoing cardiac bypass surgery. Answer: An 82-year-old male patient undergoing cardiac bypass surgery Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a decline in cognitive function (e.g., memory and mental performance) that can occur after surgery, particularly major surgeries such as cardiac, orthopedic, and vascular procedures. POCD is more common in older patients and those with preexisting cognitive impairments. Other risk factors include the type of surgery, duration of anesthesia, and perioperative complications. Young patients, including those undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, knee arthroscopy, or breast augmentation, are at a lower risk of developing POCD compared to elderly patients undergoing extensive procedures like cardiac bypass surgery.

Question 7

In the context of monitored anesthesia care (MAC), which of the following drugs are commonly used for sedation? Select all that apply.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Fentanyl. Common drugs used for sedation in monitored anesthesia care include midazolam, propofol, and fentanyl. Atropine and succinylcholine are not used for sedation in this context.

Question 8

When performing a spinal anesthesia procedure, which anatomical landmark is first located to identify the correct insertion site?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The iliac crest. Answer: The iliac crest The iliac crest is an important anatomical landmark used to identify the L4-L5 interspace in spinal anesthesia. Proper identification of the iliac crest helps ensure the needle is inserted at the correct location for the administration of spinal anesthesia.

Question 9

Which of the following anesthetic procedures is associated with the highest risk of infection?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Central line placement. Answer: Central line placement Central line placement has a higher risk of infection compared to other procedures due to its invasiveness and the duration it remains in place. Proper aseptic techniques are crucial to minimize this risk. Spinal anesthesia, peripheral nerve blocks, and intravenous (IV) catheter placements have comparatively lower infection risks.

Question 10

A patient under anesthesia begins to exhibit signs of severe bradycardia. Which of the following best describes the first-line intervention?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Administration of atropine to increase heart rate. Answer: Administration of atropine to increase heart rate. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication used as a first-line intervention to manage severe bradycardia in patients under anesthesia. It works by blocking the effects of the vagus nerve on the heart, thereby increasing heart rate. Other interventions, such as tourniquet application, diuretics, or epinephrine administration, do not address the underlying issue of bradycardia.

CRNA Nurse Anesthesia Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

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