Preoperative Assessment and Preparation Practice Questions
18 free Preoperative Assessment and Preparation practice questions for the NCLEX Exam. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which action is the nurse’s priority during the preoperative assessment?
- A Administer preoperative medications
- B Verify informed consent is signed
- C Start IV fluids
- D Shave the surgical site
Correct answer: Verify informed consent is signed
Verifying that informed consent is signed is a legal and ethical priority before surgery. It ensures the patient understands the procedure and agrees to it.
Which laboratory value is most important to review before surgery?
- A White blood cell count
- B Cholesterol level
- C Blood glucose level
- D Serum hemoglobin level
Correct answer: Serum hemoglobin level
Hemoglobin levels are important to assess oxygen-carrying capacity. Low levels may increase surgical risk due to anemia.
Which patient condition increases the risk for surgical complications?
- A Well-controlled hypertension
- B Normal BMI
- C Regular exercise
- D Smoking history
Correct answer: Smoking history
Smoking affects lung function and wound healing. It increases the risk of postoperative complications such as infections.
Which preoperative teaching helps prevent postoperative complications?
- A Strict bed rest for the entire recovery
- B Avoiding all postoperative movement
- C Skipping prescribed exercise routines
- D Deep breathing and coughing exercises
Correct answer: Deep breathing and coughing exercises
Deep breathing and coughing exercises help prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. They promote lung expansion after surgery.
What is the purpose of preoperative skin preparation?
- A Improve appearance
- B Increase comfort
- C Enhance blood circulation
- D Reduce infection risk
Correct answer: Reduce infection risk
Skin preparation reduces microbial load at the surgical site. This lowers the risk of postoperative infections.
Which assessment finding requires immediate notification before surgery?
- A Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg
- B Pulse rate 72 bpm
- C A fever of 38.5°C
- D Respiratory rate 16/min
Correct answer: A fever of 38.5°C
A fever may indicate infection, which can complicate surgery. The healthcare provider should be notified immediately.
Which preoperative instruction is appropriate for a patient receiving general anesthesia?
- A Eat a heavy meal the night before
- B Drink alcohol the night before
- C Avoid all food and fluids as told
- D Take herbal supplements as usual
Correct answer: Avoid all food and fluids as told
NPO status reduces the risk of aspiration during anesthesia. Following fasting instructions is essential for safety.
Which is the best method to confirm patient identity before surgery?
- A Check ID band and medical record
- B Ask the patient their own name only
- C Ask a family member to confirm
- D Verify the room number only
Correct answer: Check ID band and medical record
Using at least two identifiers, such as ID band and records, ensures correct patient identification. This prevents surgical errors.
Which preoperative assessment finding increases anesthesia risk?
- A Allergy to latex
- B Normal ECG
- C Stable vital signs
- D No medication history
Correct answer: Allergy to latex
Latex allergy can cause severe reactions during surgery. It must be identified to avoid exposure.
What is the purpose of preoperative teaching about pain management?
- A Reduce anxiety and improve outcomes
- B Eliminate the need for pain medication
- C Avoid all postoperative discomfort
- D Shorten the total surgery time
Correct answer: Reduce anxiety and improve outcomes
Educating patients about pain control reduces anxiety and improves cooperation. It leads to better postoperative outcomes.
Which preoperative intervention helps prevent venous thromboembolism?
- A Apply compression stockings
- B Encourage strict immobility
- C Restrict oral fluid intake
- D Avoid all leg movement
Correct answer: Apply compression stockings
Compression stockings promote venous return and reduce clot formation. They are commonly used before surgery.
Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching?
- A I can take aspirin before surgery
- B I will stop eating after midnight
- C I will practice deep breathing exercises
- D I will remove jewelry before surgery
Correct answer: I can take aspirin before surgery
Aspirin should generally be avoided before surgery due to bleeding risk. The patient requires further education.
Which is a key component of preoperative psychological preparation?
- A Providing clear explanations
- B Ignoring the patient's concerns
- C Limiting all communication
- D Avoiding the patient's questions
Correct answer: Providing clear explanations
Clear explanations help reduce anxiety and build trust. Psychological preparation improves patient cooperation.
Which action should the nurse take regarding dentures before surgery?
- A Leave them in place
- B Remove them before anesthesia
- C Remove them only if loose
- D Secure them in place with tape
Correct answer: Remove them before anesthesia
Dentures should be removed to prevent airway obstruction or aspiration. This ensures patient safety during anesthesia.
Which preoperative checklist item is essential before transferring a patient to the operating room?
- A Patient wearing makeup
- B Consent form signed
- C Patient has eaten
- D Patient has valuables
Correct answer: Consent form signed
A signed consent form is mandatory before surgery. It confirms patient understanding and agreement.
Which condition requires postponing elective surgery?
- A Controlled diabetes
- B Active infection
- C Mild anxiety
- D Normal vital signs
Correct answer: Active infection
Active infections increase surgical risk and complications. Elective procedures are usually delayed until resolved.
Which is the purpose of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis?
- A Treat an active surgical infection
- B Prevent surgical site infection
- C Reduce postoperative pain levels
- D Improve the speed of healing
Correct answer: Prevent surgical site infection
Prophylactic antibiotics are given to prevent infections at the surgical site. They are not used to treat existing infections.
Which action is appropriate when a patient expresses fear before surgery?
- A Dismiss the patient's concerns
- B Provide reassurance and information
- C Delay communication until after surgery
- D Administer sedation immediately
Correct answer: Provide reassurance and information
Addressing fears with reassurance and information helps reduce anxiety. Emotional support is a key nursing role.