Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

What type of monitoring should be conducted to observe a patient's vital signs during anesthesia?

1. Daily checks

2. Continuous monitoring

3. Hourly assessments

4. As needed monitoring

The correct answer is: Continuous monitoring

Continuous monitoring during anesthesia is essential for ensuring patient safety. This approach allows healthcare providers to observe vital signs in real-time, which is critical for identifying any changes or abnormalities that can occur rapidly under anesthesia. Continuous monitoring enables the anesthesia team to respond promptly to any signs of complications, such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, or respiratory patterns. This level of vigilance is particularly important because anesthesia can significantly affect a patient’s physiological functions, potentially leading to life-threatening situations if not monitored closely. Continuous monitoring systems are equipped to alert the surgical team to even minor deviations from baseline readings, facilitating immediate intervention when necessary. In contrast, daily checks, hourly assessments, and as-needed monitoring do not provide the same level of surveillance required during anesthesia. These alternatives may be suitable in other contexts but could delay recognition and response to critical changes in the anesthesia phase.