Free CMSRN Practice Questions
Original questions with explanations
These original CMSRN practice questions are educational examples designed to exercise reasoning. They are not recalled exam items and do not imply access to live or confidential test content.
Question 1
Which patient should the nurse assess first?
- A. A stable patient requesting discharge instructions
- B. A patient with new stridor after neck surgery
- C. A patient awaiting a routine dressing change
- D. A patient asking for a meal tray
Answer and explanation
B. A patient with new stridor after neck surgery New stridor signals possible airway obstruction, making airway assessment the immediate priority.
Question 2
A patient receiving an opioid becomes difficult to arouse with slow respirations. What is the priority action?
- A. Encourage oral fluids
- B. Support ventilation and follow the emergency reversal protocol
- C. Reassess in one hour
- D. Place the patient flat and leave the room
Answer and explanation
B. Support ventilation and follow the emergency reversal protocol Respiratory depression requires immediate airway and breathing support and activation of the applicable reversal protocol.
Question 3
Which action best reduces errors during a handoff?
- A. Rely on memory
- B. Use a structured format and verify critical information
- C. Omit pending test results
- D. Discuss only the diagnosis
Answer and explanation
B. Use a structured format and verify critical information A structured handoff with verification improves completeness and shared understanding.
Question 4
A patient with heart failure gains 2 kg in two days. What is the most relevant interpretation?
- A. Likely fluid retention
- B. Expected muscle gain
- C. Improved renal clearance
- D. Normal measurement variation only
Answer and explanation
A. Likely fluid retention Rapid weight gain in heart failure commonly signals fluid accumulation and should prompt assessment.
Question 5
Which study method best prepares for priority questions?
- A. Memorize isolated definitions
- B. Practice applying airway, breathing, circulation, safety, and acuity frameworks
- C. Skip rationales
- D. Study only one body system
Answer and explanation
B. Practice applying airway, breathing, circulation, safety, and acuity frameworks Priority questions require consistent application of clinical reasoning frameworks across systems.
How to Review Your Results
For every missed item, name the tested concept, explain why the correct option is best, and identify the clue that rules out each distractor. Then review the corresponding official content domain.