200+ Free CNAMB Practice Questions

Pass your Certified Nurse Ambulatory Surgery exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately

65-70% Pass Rate

200+ Questions

100% Free

1 / 200

Question 1

Score: 0/0

During preoperative assessment, a patient reports an allergy to shellfish. What is the MOST important nursing action?

Cancel the surgical procedure immediately

Document the allergy and notify the surgical team

Administer prophylactic antihistamines without orders

Assume the patient is allergic to all medications

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CNAMB Exam

200

Total Questions

CCI CNAMB Handbook

185 + 15

Scored + Unscored

CCI CNAMB Handbook

3h 45m

Exam Time

CCI CNAMB Handbook

620/800

Passing Score

CCI scoring scale

20%

Intraoperative Care

Largest domain

$394

Exam Fee

CCI fee schedule

3 years

Certification Valid

CCI recertification policy

CCI's CNAMB exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (185 scored + 15 unscored) delivered over 3 hours and 45 minutes. The exam uses scaled scoring from 200-800, with a passing score of 620. The nine content domains are weighted: Intraoperative Care (20%), Preoperative Assessment (14%), Preoperative Plan of Care (12%), Communication (12%), Postoperative/Transfer of Care (10%), Professional Accountability (10%), Personnel/Materials Management (9%), Instrument Processing (8%), and Emergency Situations (5%). Eligibility requires current RN license plus 2 years (2,400 hours) experience in ambulatory surgery with 500+ hours intraoperative.

Sample CNAMB Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CNAMB exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1During preoperative assessment, a patient reports an allergy to shellfish. What is the MOST important nursing action?

A.Cancel the surgical procedure immediately

B.Document the allergy and notify the surgical team

C.Administer prophylactic antihistamines without orders

D.Assume the patient is allergic to all medications

Explanation: Documenting patient allergies and notifying the surgical team is essential for patient safety. Shellfish allergy may indicate potential iodine sensitivity relevant to certain antiseptic solutions or contrast media, though modern evidence shows shellfish allergy does not necessarily predict povidone-iodine reaction.

2Which laboratory value would require immediate notification of the surgeon before an elective procedure?

A.Hemoglobin 11.5 g/dL in a female patient

B.Potassium 2.8 mEq/L

C.Blood glucose 140 mg/dL

D.White blood cell count 9,000/mm³

Explanation: A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia (normal 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). This increases risk of cardiac arrhythmias during surgery and anesthesia. The surgeon and anesthesia provider must be notified immediately to determine if the procedure should be delayed for electrolyte correction.

3A patient is taking warfarin (Coumadin) and has an INR of 3.5 scheduled for elective hernia repair. What is the appropriate nursing action?

A.Proceed with surgery as scheduled

B.Hold the warfarin and administer vitamin K without consulting the surgeon

C.Notify the surgeon of the elevated INR for further orders

D.Cancel the surgery without surgeon consultation

Explanation: An INR of 3.5 is elevated above the typical therapeutic range (2.0-3.0) and increases bleeding risk. The nurse must notify the surgeon who will determine the appropriate plan, which may include holding warfarin, administering vitamin K, or bridging with heparin based on thromboembolic risk.

4During medication reconciliation, a patient reports taking St. John's Wort for depression. Why is this important to report to the anesthesia provider?

A.It has no surgical implications

B.It may interact with anesthetic agents and increase serotonin syndrome risk

C.It only affects blood pressure monitoring

D.It is safe to continue through the morning of surgery

Explanation: St. John's Wort is an herbal supplement that affects cytochrome P450 enzymes and can interact with multiple anesthetic agents, opioids, and other perioperative medications. It increases the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs commonly used in anesthesia.

5A patient with a history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is scheduled for ambulatory surgery. What is the priority nursing consideration?

A.OSA has no impact on ambulatory surgery

B.Ensure CPAP is brought from home and plan for extended observation

C.Cancel all OSA patients for ambulatory surgery

D.Avoid all opioid medications in the PACU

Explanation: Patients with OSA have increased risk of airway obstruction, hypoxemia, and respiratory complications post-anesthesia. Priority nursing considerations include: ensuring CPAP availability, extended PACU observation, careful opioid titration, and verifying the patient meets discharge criteria including maintaining oxygen saturation on room air.

6The nurse is completing a preoperative assessment on a patient who states they have not followed the NPO guidelines and ate a light breakfast 2 hours ago. What is the appropriate nursing action?

A.Do not mention it to avoid delaying the surgery

B.Document the intake and immediately notify the surgeon and anesthesia provider

C.Tell the patient to lie about the last intake time

D.Proceed since it was only a light meal

Explanation: Aspiration during anesthesia is a serious risk. The nurse must document all intake and immediately notify the surgeon and anesthesia provider. They will determine if the procedure can proceed or needs to be rescheduled based on the procedure type, urgency, and anesthesia plan.

7A patient with a BMI of 52 presents for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in an ambulatory surgery center. What is the nurse's priority assessment regarding anesthesia risk?

A.BMI has no impact on ambulatory surgery eligibility

B.Assess for difficult airway, cardiopulmonary function, and appropriate facility resources

C.Immediately cancel the procedure due to BMI

D.Only assess standard vital signs

Explanation: Morbid obesity (BMI >40) increases anesthesia risks including difficult airway management, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiopulmonary complications, and medication dosing challenges. The nurse must assess for OSA symptoms, cardiopulmonary status, and verify the facility has appropriate equipment (bariatric beds, lifts, blood pressure cuffs) and resources for safe care.

8Which nursing diagnosis is MOST appropriate for a preoperative patient who expresses fear about the surgical outcome?

A.Risk for infection

B.Anxiety related to uncertain surgical outcome

C.Impaired physical mobility

D.Risk for deficient fluid volume

Explanation: When a patient expresses fear about surgical outcomes, the appropriate nursing diagnosis is Anxiety related to the uncertainty of the procedure and its outcomes. This diagnosis guides nursing interventions for emotional support, education, and anxiety reduction.

9What is the primary goal of preoperative patient teaching regarding deep breathing exercises?

A.Prevent atelectasis and pneumonia

B.Reduce surgical pain

C.Decrease anxiety levels

D.Lower blood pressure

Explanation: The primary goal of teaching deep breathing exercises (incentive spirometry, coughing techniques) is to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications including atelectasis (collapsed alveoli) and pneumonia. These exercises promote lung expansion and secretion clearance.

10A patient is scheduled for outpatient shoulder arthroscopy. Which discharge planning intervention should be initiated preoperatively?

A.Arrange for 24-hour adult supervision post-discharge

B.Schedule physical therapy to begin in one week

C.Verify the patient has a responsible adult to drive them home

D.Book inpatient rehabilitation facility

Explanation: Discharge planning for ambulatory surgery must begin preoperatively. For procedures requiring anesthesia, patients cannot drive themselves home. The nurse must verify a responsible adult is available for transportation and ideally for initial postoperative supervision.

About the CNAMB Exam

CNAMB is CCI's specialty certification for registered nurses working in ambulatory surgery settings. It validates competency in preoperative assessment, preoperative plan of care, intraoperative care, postoperative care, communication, personnel/materials management, instrument processing, emergency situations, and professional accountability.

Questions

200 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours 45 minutes

Passing Score

620/800 (scaled score)

Exam Fee

$394 (CCI (Competency & Credentialing Institute))

CNAMB Exam Content Outline

20%

Intraoperative Care

Surgical asepsis, sterile technique, anesthesia monitoring, patient positioning, thermoregulation, equipment safety (laser, electrosurgery, radiation), specimen management, wound classification, counts verification, and dressing application

14%

Preoperative Assessment

Patient health history, physical assessment, lab and diagnostic data review, allergy assessment, medication reconciliation, risk stratification, anesthesia evaluation, consent verification, and patient education

12%

Preoperative Plan of Care

Nursing diagnosis development, care plan creation, patient teaching plans, cultural and spiritual care considerations, discharge planning, pain management planning, infection prevention planning, DVT prophylaxis, and skin integrity protection

12%

Communication

Interdisciplinary communication, patient/family communication, SBAR technique, handoff protocols, documentation standards, EHR documentation, legal documentation, and conflict resolution

10%

Postoperative/Transfer of Care

PACU assessment, Aldrete score/discharge criteria, postoperative pain management, nausea/vomiting management, complication monitoring, transfer communication, home care instructions, and follow-up care

10%

Professional Accountability

Nursing standards, scope of practice, continuing education, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, performance improvement, risk management, patient safety goals, ethical practice, and legal responsibility

Personnel/Materials Management

Staffing coordination, role assignments, supply management, inventory control, equipment maintenance, budget considerations, vendor relations, product evaluation, and resource allocation

Instrument Processing

Decontamination processes, cleaning methods, sterilization methods (steam, Sterrad, Steris, EtOxide), sterile storage, shelf life management, instrument inspection, packaging methods, and biological indicators

Emergency Situations

CPR, airway emergencies, anaphylaxis, malignant hyperthermia, local anesthesia toxicity, bradycardia/tachycardia management, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, fire emergencies, and disaster preparedness

How to Pass the CNAMB Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 620/800 (scaled score)
Exam length: 200 questions
Time limit: 3 hours 45 minutes
Exam fee: $394

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CNAMB Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on intraoperative care - this is the largest domain at 20% of the exam

2Master sterile technique and surgical asepsis - fundamental to all perioperative nursing

3Study sterilization methods in detail - know the differences between steam, Sterrad, Steris, and EtOxide sterilization

4Understand ambulatory surgery specific considerations - rapid patient turnover, discharge criteria, and patient education

5Review emergency protocols - malignant hyperthermia, anaphylaxis, local anesthetic toxicity, and fire emergencies

6Learn AORN guidelines and evidence-based practice - these form the foundation of perioperative nursing standards

7Practice communication scenarios - SBAR handoffs, interdisciplinary communication, and patient education

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the CNAMB exam?

The CNAMB exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions: 185 scored questions and 15 unscored pretest questions. You have 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete the exam.

What score do I need to pass CNAMB?

CNAMB uses a scaled scoring system from 200-800. The passing score is 620. Scaled scoring accounts for question difficulty variations across different exam forms.

How much does CNAMB certification cost?

The CNAMB exam fee is $394. There may be additional fees for retakes or recertification. CCI offers member discounts for those affiliated with professional organizations.

What are the CNAMB content domain weights?

The nine content domains are weighted: Intraoperative Care (20%), Preoperative Assessment (14%), Preoperative Plan of Care (12%), Communication (12%), Postoperative/Transfer of Care (10%), Professional Accountability (10%), Personnel/Materials Management (9%), Instrument Processing (8%), and Emergency Situations (5%).

What are the eligibility requirements for CNAMB?

To sit for CNAMB, you must: 1) Have a current, unrestricted RN license, 2) Have at least 2 years (2,400 hours) of ambulatory surgery experience, with at least 500 hours in intraoperative activities. Experience must be within the last 5 years.

How long is CNAMB certification valid?

CNAMB certification is valid for 3 years. You can recertify by either earning contact hours of continuing education or by retaking and passing the CNAMB exam.

What is the difference between CNOR and CNAMB?

CNOR is for perioperative nurses working in hospital operating rooms, while CNAMB is specifically for nurses working in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). CNAMB focuses on the unique aspects of outpatient surgery including rapid turnover, discharge planning, and ASC-specific regulations.