Surgical nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on the care of patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. This role involves comprehensive patient assessment, education, and preparation in the pre-operative phase, such as evaluating health history, administering medications, and ensuring patients understand the procedure and risks. During surgery, surgical nurses assist in the operating room by maintaining a sterile environment, handling instruments, monitoring vital signs, and supporting the surgical team to ensure patient safety and procedural efficiency.
In the post-operative phase, nurses monitor patients for complications like infection or bleeding, manage pain, administer treatments, and provide wound care to promote recovery. They also educate patients and families on post-surgery care, including mobility exercises, medication regimens, and follow-up appointments. Key skills required include critical thinking, technical proficiency in medical equipment, strong communication, and emotional support to handle high-stress situations.
Surgical nurses work in various settings, such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and clinics, often collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals. To enter this field, nurses typically need a nursing degree, relevant clinical experience, and certification such as the CNOR (Certified Nurse Operating Room) from recognized bodies. This specialty demands adaptability, attention to detail, and a commitment to patient-centered care, contributing significantly to positive surgical outcomes and patient recovery.
Table of contents
- Part 1: OnlineExamMaker AI quiz generator – The easiest way to make quizzes online
- Part 2: 20 surgical nursing quiz questions & answers
- Part 3: OnlineExamMaker AI Question Generator: Generate questions for any topic
Part 1: OnlineExamMaker AI quiz generator – The easiest way to make quizzes online
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Part 2: 20 surgical nursing quiz questions & answers
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1. Question: What is the primary purpose of NPO (nothing by mouth) status before surgery?
A. To prevent aspiration during anesthesia
B. To reduce the risk of dehydration
C. To allow for better medication absorption
D. To minimize postoperative pain
Answer: A
Explanation: NPO status helps prevent aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs during anesthesia induction, reducing the risk of pneumonia or respiratory complications.
2. Question: Which vital sign is most critical to monitor immediately after surgery to detect hemorrhage?
A. Blood pressure
B. Respiratory rate
C. Heart rate
D. Temperature
Answer: A
Explanation: A drop in blood pressure is a key indicator of hemorrhage, as it reflects decreased circulating volume and requires immediate intervention to prevent shock.
3. Question: In post-operative care, what is the first action a nurse should take if a patient reports severe pain?
A. Administer pain medication as ordered
B. Assess the pain level and possible causes
C. Notify the surgeon immediately
D. Encourage the patient to rest
Answer: B
Explanation: Assessing pain level and etiology ensures that the pain is not due to complications like infection or bleeding before administering medication, leading to more effective treatment.
4. Question: What is the main goal of deep breathing and coughing exercises post-surgery?
A. To improve circulation
B. To prevent atelectasis and pneumonia
C. To reduce swelling
D. To promote wound healing
Answer: B
Explanation: These exercises help expand the lungs and clear secretions, preventing collapse of alveoli (atelectasis) and reducing the risk of respiratory infections after surgery.
5. Question: Which type of wound closure is most likely to result in minimal scarring?
A. Primary intention
B. Secondary intention
C. Tertiary intention
D. Delayed primary closure
Answer: A
Explanation: Primary intention involves immediate closure of clean wound edges, promoting faster healing with less tissue loss and minimal scarring compared to other methods.
6. Question: What should a nurse do first if a surgical patient develops signs of wound dehiscence?
A. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing
B. Notify the surgeon
C. Administer antibiotics
D. Reposition the patient
Answer: A
Explanation: Covering the wound with a sterile dressing prevents contamination and further exposure while preparing for further medical intervention, such as surgical repair.
7. Question: In surgical nursing, what is the purpose of sequential compression devices (SCDs)?
A. To promote venous return and prevent DVT
B. To reduce postoperative nausea
C. To monitor blood pressure
D. To assist with pain management
Answer: A
Explanation: SCDs mimic natural muscle contractions to improve blood flow in the legs, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in immobile surgical patients.
8. Question: Which patient factor increases the risk of surgical site infection?
A. Obesity
B. Young age
C. High hemoglobin levels
D. Regular exercise
Answer: A
Explanation: Obesity impairs blood flow and immune response at the surgical site, increasing the likelihood of infection due to poor wound healing and bacterial colonization.
9. Question: What is the correct nursing intervention for a patient experiencing postoperative ileus?
A. Encourage early ambulation
B. Administer laxatives as ordered
C. Insert a nasogastric tube if needed
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Early ambulation, laxatives, and nasogastric tube insertion help stimulate bowel activity, relieve distension, and prevent complications in postoperative ileus.
10. Question: During pre-operative assessment, what should the nurse evaluate to prevent anesthesia complications?
A. Allergy history
B. Patient’s favorite foods
C. Shoe size
D. Hair length
Answer: A
Explanation: Knowing a patient’s allergy history helps avoid adverse reactions to anesthesia medications, ensuring safer induction and recovery.
11. Question: What is the best way to prevent pressure ulcers in a post-surgical patient?
A. Frequent position changes
B. Applying heat packs
C. Limiting fluid intake
D. Encouraging smoking
Answer: A
Explanation: Frequent position changes redistribute pressure on vulnerable areas, reducing the risk of skin breakdown and ulcer formation in immobilized patients.
12. Question: In managing a patient with a surgical drain, what should the nurse monitor?
A. Drainage amount and character
B. Patient’s hair color
C. Room temperature
D. Family visits
Answer: A
Explanation: Monitoring drainage amount and character helps detect complications like infection or hemorrhage early, ensuring timely intervention.
13. Question: Which sign indicates a potential complication of fluid volume deficit after surgery?
A. Decreased urine output
B. Hypertension
C. Bradycardia
D. Hyperthermia
Answer: A
Explanation: Decreased urine output signals inadequate hydration, which can lead to kidney issues or shock if not addressed in the postoperative period.
14. Question: What is the primary role of the nurse in informed consent for surgery?
A. Witness the patient’s signature
B. Explain the procedure and risks
C. Perform the surgery
D. Schedule the operation
Answer: B
Explanation: The nurse ensures the patient understands the procedure, risks, and benefits, promoting autonomous decision-making and ethical practice.
15. Question: For a patient undergoing abdominal surgery, what complication might leg exercises help prevent?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Hypertension
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Anemia
Answer: A
Explanation: Leg exercises improve circulation and prevent blood clots, reducing the risk of pulmonary embolism, a common postoperative risk.
16. Question: What should the nurse prioritize when a patient returns from the PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit)?
A. Airway assessment
B. Checking the patient’s phone
C. Measuring height
D. Organizing meals
Answer: A
Explanation: Ensuring a patent airway is critical immediately after surgery to prevent respiratory distress or failure due to residual anesthesia effects.
17. Question: In surgical nursing, how is hypothermia prevented during procedures?
A. Using warmed intravenous fluids
B. Increasing room lights
C. Administering cold packs
D. Reducing blankets
Answer: A
Explanation: Warmed intravenous fluids help maintain the patient’s core temperature, preventing hypothermia which can lead to complications like coagulopathy.
18. Question: What is a key indicator of effective pain management in a surgical patient?
A. Patient reports pain level below 4 on a scale of 10
B. Increased heart rate
C. Sweating profusely
D. Refusal to eat
Answer: A
Explanation: A pain level below 4 indicates adequate control, allowing the patient to participate in recovery activities without distress.
19. Question: Which nursing action is essential for preventing surgical wound infection?
A. Strict hand hygiene
B. Using unsterile gloves
C. Allowing family to touch the wound
D. Skipping antibiotic prophylaxis
Answer: A
Explanation: Strict hand hygiene by the nurse and staff breaks the chain of infection, significantly reducing the risk of contamination at the surgical site.
20. Question: After a total knee replacement, what should the nurse teach the patient about rehabilitation?
A. Importance of physical therapy exercises
B. Avoiding all movement
C. Increasing salt intake
D. Stopping medications early
Answer: A
Explanation: Physical therapy exercises are crucial for restoring mobility, strength, and function, preventing complications like joint stiffness post-surgery.
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