CRNA Exam Study Guide

CRNA Exam Study Guide & Test Bank Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Academic Year: 2025 / 2026

Prepared for: CRNA Candidates | Nurse Anesthesia Students

Exam Authority: NBCRNA

Format: Multiple Choice | Scenario-Based | Calculations | Pharmacology

Overview

Total Questions: 175

• 150 Scored Questions • 25 Pretest (Unscored) Questions

• Competency Areas:

• Basic Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology) • Equipment, Technology, and Safety • Basic and Advanced Principles of Anesthesia • Professional Role What’s Inside Practice Questions Detailed Rationales for Each Answer Clinical Scenarios & Case-Based Items Drug Calculations & Dosage Problems

Bonus: Pediatric, Obstetric, and Regional Anesthesia Questions

Updated for NBCRNA 2025 Guidelines Topics Covered • Anatomy & Physiology for Anesthesia • Pharmacology of Anesthetic Agents • Airway Management & Mechanical Ventilation • Patient Assessment & Monitoring • Anesthesia for Special Populations (Peds, OB, Geriatric) • CRNA Ethics & Legal Considerations • Pain Management & Regional Techniques • Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance • Emergency Response & Crisis Management 1 / 4

Section 1: Practice Questions

Scored Questions

• What nerve is most commonly blocked for an axillary brachial plexus block?

(a) Median (b) Ulnar (c) Radial (d) Musculocutaneous

ANS: Musculocutaneous

Rationale: The musculocutaneous nerve is often the first to be anesthetized in this block.

• Calculate the dose of propofol (10 mg/mL) for a 70 kg patient at 2 mg/kg.

ANS: 140 mg

Rationale: 2 mg/kg × 70 kg = 140 mg; volume = 140 mg ÷ 10 mg/mL = 14 mL.

• A patient exhibits shallow breathing post-extubation. What is the likely cause?

(a) Hypoventilation (b) Hyperventilation (c) Pneumothorax (d) Pulmonary edema

ANS: Hypoventilation

Rationale: Shallow breathing suggests inadequate ventilation.

• Which drug reverses benzodiazepine overdose?

(a) Naloxone (b) Flumazenil (c) Atropine (d) Neostigmine

ANS: Flumazenil

Rationale: Flumazenil is a specific benzodiazepine antagonist.

• Scenario: A 30-year-old female requires anesthesia for a cesarean section. What

agent is contraindicated?(a) Sevoflurane (b) Ketamine (c) Nitrous oxide 2 / 4

(d) Propofol

ANS: Nitrous oxide

Rationale: Nitrous oxide is avoided due to potential bowel expansion in pregnancy.

• What monitors oxygen saturation?

(a) Capnography (b) Pulse oximetry (c) Electrocardiogram (d) Bispectral index

ANS: Pulse oximetry

Rationale: Pulse oximetry measures SpO2 noninvasively.

• Which electrolyte imbalance is associated with prolonged QT interval?

(a) Hyperkalemia (b) Hypokalemia (c) Hypernatremia (d) Hyponatremia

ANS: Hypokalemia

Rationale: Low potassium can prolong cardiac repolarization.

• What is the primary ethical duty of a CRNA?

(a) Cost reduction (b) Patient advocacy (c) Administrative tasks (d) Research

ANS: Patient advocacy

Rationale: Advocacy ensures patient safety and rights.

• Calculate the maintenance fluid rate for a 50 kg adult (4 mL/kg/hr).

ANS: 200 mL/hr

Rationale: 4 mL/kg/hr × 50 kg = 200 mL/hr.

• Which crisis requires immediate administration of dantrolene?

(a) Anaphylaxis (b) Malignant hyperthermia (c) Hypoglycemia (d) Seizure

ANS: Malignant hyperthermia

Rationale: Dantrolene treats this life-threatening reaction to anesthetics. 3 / 4

• What anatomical structure is at risk during a lumbar epidural?

(a) Spinal cord (b) Kidney (c) Liver (d) Spleen

ANS: Spinal cord

Rationale: The spinal cord is near the epidural space.

• Which anesthetic agent causes the least respiratory depression?

(a) Fentanyl (b) Desflurane (c) Propofol (d) Remifentanil

ANS: Desflurane

Rationale: Volatile agents like desflurane have less respiratory impact than opioids.

• Scenario: A patient desaturates during intubation. What is the first action?

(a) Administer epinephrine (b) Ventilate with 100% oxygen (c) Call for help (d) Perform a chest X-ray

ANS: Ventilate with 100% oxygen

Rationale: Immediate oxygenation is critical.

• What drug treats bradycardia during anesthesia?

(a) Ephedrine (b) Atropine (c) Labetalol (d) Metoprolol

ANS: Atropine

Rationale: Atropine increases heart rate via vagolytic effects.

• Which monitor assesses depth of anesthesia?

(a) Pulse oximetry (b) Bispectral index (c) Capnography (d) ECG

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