Chapter 9 - Perioperative NCLEX-Style Questions

1. A preoperative nurse is assessing a client prior to surgery. Which information is

most important to relay to the surgical team?
A. Allergy to bee and wasp stings
B. History of lactose intolerance
C. No previous experience with surgery
D. Use of multiple herbs and supplements

2. A nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which action is appropriate regarding the
client's jewelry?
A. Allow the client to wear all jewelry
B. Tape all jewelry securely to the client's body
C. Remove all jewelry and give it to the family
D. Leave wedding bands in place as they are sentimental

3. A client scheduled for surgery reports using garlic supplements daily. What is the
nurse's best action?
A. Document the information and proceed
B. Inform the surgical team immediately
C. Advise the client to continue the supplement
D. Ignore as it's a natural product

4. Which client is at greatest risk for postoperative complications?

A. 45-year-old with controlled hypertension
B. 60-year-old with type 2 diabetes
C. 30-year-old smoker
D. 70-year-old with obesity

5. During preoperative teaching, a client asks about the purpose of incentive

spirometry. The nurse explains it helps to:
A. Reduce pain after surgery
B. Prevent blood clots
C. Promote lung expansion
D. Decrease nausea and vomiting

6. A client is anxious about an upcoming surgery. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "There's nothing to worry about."
B. "Many people feel this way before surgery."
C. "Anxiety is normal; let's discuss your concerns."
D. "You should talk to your doctor about this."

7. The nurse is verifying informed consent. Which statement indicates the client
understands the procedure?
A. "I will be asleep and feel nothing."
B. "I can change my mind after the surgery."
 C. "The nurse will decide if I need surgery."
D. "I have been informed about the risks and bene ts."

8. A client is scheduled for surgery at 8:00 AM, but it's delayed until 11:00 AM. The
preoperative antibiotic was scheduled for 7:00 AM. What should the nurse do?
A. Administer at 7:00 AM as scheduled
B. Administer at 10:00 AM
C. Hold the antibiotic
D. Consult the provider for a new administration time

9. Which intervention is essential to prevent postoperative pneumonia?

A. Early ambulation
B. Keeping the client NPO
C. Administering pain medication
D. Limiting uid intake

10. A client refuses to remove a religious necklace before surgery. What is the nurse's
best action?
A. Forcefully remove the necklace
B. Document the refusal and proceed
C. Secure the necklace to prevent injury
D. Cancel the surgery

11. A client is scheduled for an ileostomy. How should the nurse document this type of
surgery?
A. Diagnostic
B. Cosmetic
C. Curative
D. Palliative

12. Which statement by a client indicates a need for further teaching about
postoperative care?
A. "I will use the incentive spirometer hourly."
B. "I can eat solid food immediately after surgery."
C. "I should report any signs of infection."
D. "Pain management is important for recovery."

13. A client asks why they need to be NPO before surgery. The nurse explains it's to:
A. Prevent dehydration
B. Reduce the risk of aspiration
C. Ensure accurate lab results
D. Decrease surgical time

14. Which lab value should be reported before surgery?

A. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
B. Platelets 150,000/mm³
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 C. INR 2.5
D. WBC 7,000/mm³

15. A client is scheduled for surgery and has a history of smoking. What preoperative
teaching is essential?
A. Smoking cessation reduces surgical risks
B. Smoking has no effect on surgery
C. Smoking is allowed until the day of surgery
D. Nicotine patches are not recommended

16. Which client is at highest risk for developing deep vein thrombosis postoperatively?
A. 25-year-old athlete
B. 40-year-old with anemia
C. 65-year-old with obesity
D. 30-year-old with asthma

17. A client is confused about the surgical procedure. What is the nurse's best action?
A. Re-explain the procedure
B. Notify the surgeon
C. Proceed with preparation
D. Ask the family to explain

18. Which action is part of the surgical time-out procedure?

A. Administering anesthesia
B. Con rming client identity and procedure
C. Starting the surgical incision
D. Monitoring vital signs

19. A client expresses fear about postoperative pain. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "Pain is part of the process."
B. "We'll manage your pain effectively."
C. "You shouldn't worry about pain."
D. "Pain medications are limited."

20. Which is a priority nursing diagnosis for a client undergoing surgery?

A. Risk for infection
B. Impaired mobility
C. Disturbed body image
D. Ineffective coping

21. A client is scheduled for surgery and reports taking herbal supplements. What is the
nurse's best action?
A. Advise to stop all supplements immediately
B. Document and inform the surgical team
C. Ignore as they are natural products
D. Encourage continued use for health bene ts
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 22. Which assessment nding requires immediate action before surgery?
A. Blood pressure 130/80 mmHg
B. Heart rate 88 bpm
C. Temperature 101°F (38.3°C)
D. Respiratory rate 16 breaths per minute

23. A client asks about the purpose of anti-embolism stockings. The nurse explains they:
A. Keep the legs warm
B. Prevent blood clots
C. Reduce leg swelling
D. Improve comfort

24. Which client statement indicates understanding of postoperative care?

A. "I will stay in bed to rest."
B. "I should avoid deep breathing exercises."
C. "I will report any signs of infection."
D. "Pain medication is not necessary."

25. A client is scheduled for surgery and has not signed the consent form. What is the
nurse's best action?
A. Proceed with surgery
B. Have the client sign immediately
C. Notify the surgeon
D. Ask a family member to sign

Answer Key

1. D

2. C

3. B

4. D

5. C

6. C

7. D

8. D

9. A

10. C
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11. C

12. B

13. B

14. C

15. A

16. C

17. B

18. B

19. B

20. A

21. B

22. C

23. B

24. C

25. C