NCLEX-PN
NCLEX Questions on Perioperative Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse must obtain surgical consent forms for the scheduled surgery. Which client would not be able to consent legally to surgery?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Legal consent requires mental competency; disorientation to the day suggests incapacity. Illiteracy, language barriers (with interpreters), and minors (with parental consent) do not preclude consent.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client in the day surgery unit who states, 'I am really afraid of having this surgery. I'm afraid of what they will find.' Which statement would be the most therapeutic response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking about fears encourages the client to express concerns, fostering therapeutic communication. Reassurance, asking 'why,' or assuming feelings are less empathetic.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is completing a preoperative assessment on a male client who states, 'I am allergic to codeine.' Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking about the reaction verifies the allergy type (e.g., anaphylaxis vs. nausea), guiding safe care. Bracelet, labeling, and documentation follow verification.
Question 4 of 5
The circulating nurse and the scrub technician find a discrepancy in the sponge count. Which action should the circulating nurse take first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Recounting sponges verifies the discrepancy, the first step to ensure no retained objects. Notification, reporting, or manager contact follow if confirmed.
Question 5 of 5
Which situation demonstrates the circulating nurse acting as the client's advocate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Keeping the OR door closed maintains privacy and asepsis, advocating for client safety. Audio books, family updates, and name use are supportive but less critical.