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See where you stand before you pay for prep. These sample questions match the
CCI CNOR style — scenario-based, single best answer, drawn from real
perioperative practice, each with a rationale that explains the reasoning. Work each one before
you read the answer.
Unlock 2,200+ CNOR practice questions across 11 full-length simulators — $19.99 lifetime →
How close are these to the real CNOR?
The CNOR is 200 questions (185 scored, 15 unscored) over 3 hours 45 minutes, spanning the full
perioperative continuum — patient safety, infection prevention, assessment, emergencies, and
professional practice. The samples below reflect that mix, weighted toward patient care and safety,
the largest content area.
Sample CNOR questions
- During a laparotomy, the surgical count is incorrect at the first closing count. After
notifying the surgeon, what is the team’s priority action?- A. Proceed with closure and document the discrepancy
- B. Repeat the count and perform a methodical search of the wound, field, and floor
- C. Obtain an immediate intraoperative radiograph before recounting
- D. Wait until the patient is in PACU to investigate
Answer: B. An incorrect count triggers an immediate repeat count plus a thorough
search of the surgical site, drapes, field, and floor. If the item is still not found, the surgeon is
notified and an intraoperative radiograph (C) follows — but the first step is the recount and
search, not closing (A) or delaying (D). - A patient is positioned in lithotomy for a lengthy procedure. Which nerve is at greatest
risk of injury, and what prevents it?- A. Radial nerve; pad the elbow
- B. Common peroneal nerve; pad the lateral fibular head and avoid leg-against-stirrup pressure
- C. Facial nerve; protect the eyes
- D. Femoral nerve; lower the arms
Answer: B. In lithotomy the common peroneal nerve is vulnerable where it wraps the
fibular head against the stirrup; padding and avoiding direct pressure prevent foot drop. Positioning
injury prevention is core CNOR content. - When using monopolar electrosurgery, what is the most important step to prevent a patient
return-electrode (dispersive pad) burn?- A. Set the generator to the highest tolerated power
- B. Place the dispersive pad over a clean, dry, well-vascularized muscle mass close to the site
- C. Position the pad directly over a bony prominence
- D. Reuse the pad between cases to ensure adhesion
Answer: B. A return electrode must contact a clean, dry, well-perfused muscle area
near the operative site so current disperses safely. Bony prominences, scar, and hair raise impedance and
burn risk. Use the lowest effective power, never the highest (A). - An OR fire erupts on the surgical drapes during a head-and-neck case with open oxygen.
What is the immediate priority?- A. Activate the alarm and evacuate the room first
- B. Stop the flow of oxidizers, remove the burning drapes, and extinguish the fire on the patient
- C. Continue the procedure while someone retrieves the extinguisher
- D. Pour saline into the airway
Answer: B. For a fire on the patient, the immediate actions are to stop the gas flow
(oxidizer), remove burning material, and extinguish the fire on the patient — then care for the
patient and evacuate as needed. Open oxygen in head-and-neck cases is a leading OR-fire risk. - A specimen is handed off the sterile field. To preserve its diagnostic value, the
circulating nurse should:- A. Place it in formalin only if the surgeon mentions cancer
- B. Confirm the specimen name/site/laterality with the surgeon, label accurately, and handle per
the requested study (e.g., fresh, frozen, or in fixative) - C. Leave it on the back table until the case ends
- D. Rinse it under tap water before bagging
Answer: B. Specimen errors are a major source of patient harm. The circulator
verbally confirms the specimen, site, and laterality with the surgeon, labels it precisely, and handles it
per the requested pathology study. Specimens for certain studies must not be placed in fixative or rinsed.
How did you do?
If positioning, counts, or fire safety felt shaky, that’s exactly what practice fixes. Our bank has
2,200+ CNOR questions across 11 timed simulators with rationales like these, plus a free sample test.
Unlock 2,200+ CNOR practice questions across 11 full-length simulators — $19.99 lifetime →
Frequently asked questions
Are these CNOR practice questions free?
Yes. The samples here are free, and a free practice test is available without purchase. The full 2,200+ question bank is a one-time $19.99.
How many questions are on the CNOR exam?
The CNOR has 200 questions (185 scored, 15 unscored) with a 3-hour-45-minute time limit.
What does the CNOR exam cover?
The full perioperative continuum: patient care and safety, infection prevention, pre/postoperative assessment and diagnosis, communication and documentation, emergencies, management of personnel and materials, the plan of care, and professional accountability.
Sources & references
The exam facts on this page are drawn from official certifying-body materials, reviewed 2026-06-18 by the DrCertifications exam-prep team (10+ years in exam preparation and publishing).