Free Practice Questions for CMSRN

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Key Facts: CMSRN Exam

150

Total Items

MSNCB CMSRN Certification Page

125 + 25

Scored + Unscored

MSNCB CMSRN Certification Page

Exam Time

MSNCB CMSRN Certification Page

Passing Standard Score

MSNCB CMSRN Certification Page

67%

2025 Annual Pass Rate

MSNCB Statistics

$267/$394

Member / Standard Fee

MSNCB Certification Handbook

The CMSRN exam contains 150 multiple-choice items: 125 scored questions plus 25 unscored pilot questions, administered over 3 hours. The current MSNCB blueprint has five domains weighted 32%, 15%, 17%, 15%, and 21%; passing requires a standard score of 95, and certification is valid for 5 years.

Sample CMSRN Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CMSRN exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 224+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A patient is being started on warfarin therapy. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?

A.Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)

B.International normalized ratio (INR)

C.Platelet count

D.Bleeding time

Explanation: Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant that works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. The INR is the standard laboratory test used to monitor warfarin therapy, with a typical therapeutic range of 2.0-3.0 for most indications. PTT is used to monitor heparin therapy. Platelet count monitors for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and bleeding time is not routinely used for anticoagulation monitoring.

2A patient develops anaphylaxis with stridor, wheezing, and hypotension during an IV antibiotic infusion. After stopping the infusion, what is the nurse's priority action?

A.Administer diphenhydramine 50 mg IV

B.Administer intramuscular epinephrine

C.Place the patient in Trendelenburg position

D.Administer a corticosteroid IV

Explanation: Intramuscular epinephrine (0.3-0.5 mg of 1 mg/mL in the lateral thigh) is the first-line, life-saving treatment for anaphylaxis and should be given immediately once the trigger infusion is stopped. Epinephrine reverses bronchospasm, laryngeal edema, and hypotension. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are adjuncts that treat skin/late symptoms but do not reverse the acute airway and cardiovascular collapse, so they are never the priority.

3The nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which ECG finding would be most concerning?

A.Tall, peaked T waves

B.ST segment depression

C.U waves present

D.Prolonged QT interval

Explanation: Hyperkalemia (K+ >5.5 mEq/L) causes characteristic ECG changes including tall, peaked T waves (tented T waves), followed by PR prolongation, QRS widening, and eventually ventricular fibrillation or asystole. Tall T waves are often the first and most distinctive finding. U waves are associated with hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.

4Which isolation precaution is required for a patient with confirmed Clostridioides difficile infection?

A.Standard precautions only

B.Contact precautions

C.Droplet precautions

D.Airborne precautions

Explanation: C. difficile requires Contact Precautions because it is transmitted via the fecal-oral route through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against C. difficile spores; soap and water must be used for hand hygiene. Contact precautions include gown and gloves for room entry.

5A patient has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. Which statement by the nurse indicates correct understanding of isolation requirements?

A.The patient should be in a negative pressure room with airborne precautions

B.The patient needs contact precautions with a private room

C.Standard precautions are sufficient if the patient wears a mask

D.Droplet precautions should be maintained for 48 hours after starting treatment

Explanation: Active pulmonary tuberculosis requires Airborne Precautions in a negative pressure room (AIIR - Airborne Infection Isolation Room) to prevent the spread of airborne droplet nuclei. Staff must wear N95 respirators. The patient remains on airborne precautions until they are no longer infectious, which is typically determined by three negative sputum smears, not just starting treatment.

6A patient is receiving intravenous heparin. The nurse notes the PTT is 95 seconds (therapeutic range 60-80 seconds). What is the most appropriate nursing action?

A.Continue the current infusion rate and reassess in 4 hours

B.Stop the heparin infusion immediately

C.Hold the infusion for 1 hour, then restart at a decreased rate per protocol

D.Increase the infusion rate and recheck PTT in 2 hours

Explanation: A PTT of 95 seconds is supratherapeutic but not critically high. Per most heparin protocols, when PTT is 1.5-2.5 times the control (or above the therapeutic range but less than 3 times control), the nurse should hold the infusion for a specified time, then restart at a decreased rate. Immediate stopping is reserved for critical bleeding or PTT >3 times control.

7Which medication requires the nurse to check the apical pulse for 1 full minute before administration?

A.Metoprolol

B.Digoxin

C.Lisinopril

D.Amlodipine

Explanation: Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside, requires checking the apical pulse for 60 seconds before administration. Withhold the medication and notify the provider if the pulse is <60 bpm in an adult. This safety measure is necessary because digoxin slows AV conduction, and bradycardia is a sign of potential toxicity.

8A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg IV. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?

A.Hyperkalemia

B.Hypernatremia

C.Hypokalemia

D.Hypercalcemia

Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium wasting in the kidneys, leading to hypokalemia. The nurse should monitor potassium levels and assess for signs of hypokalemia (muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias). Potassium supplementation or a potassium-sparing diuretic may be prescribed concurrently.

9A patient with diabetes is being discharged home on insulin. Which statement indicates the patient needs further education?

A.I should rotate my injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy

B.I will store my unopened insulin vials in the refrigerator

C.I should skip my insulin if I am not eating a full meal

D.I will check my blood sugar before meals and at bedtime

Explanation: Patients should never skip insulin without consulting their healthcare provider. Long-acting (basal) insulin is typically given regardless of food intake. Rapid-acting insulin dosing may be adjusted based on carbohydrate intake and blood glucose levels, but skipping insulin entirely can lead to hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis.

10Which intervention is most appropriate for preventing falls in a hospitalized patient with orthostatic hypotension?

A.Keep all bed rails up at all times

B.Encourage the patient to change positions slowly

C.Restrict fluids to maintain blood pressure

D.Apply a vest restraint when the patient is alone

Explanation: Teaching the patient to change positions slowly (especially from lying to sitting to standing) allows time for the baroreceptor reflex to compensate and helps prevent orthostatic hypotension and falls. Keeping all bed rails up is a restraint and requires a physician order. Fluid restriction would worsen hypotension. Vest restraints are inappropriate for fall prevention.

About the CMSRN Exam

CMSRN certification validates medical-surgical nursing practice across five official MSNCB domains: Patient/Care Management (32%), Holistic Patient Care (15%), Elements of Interprofessional Care (17%), Professional Concepts (15%), and Nursing Teamwork and Collaboration (21%). It emphasizes adult med-surg clinical judgment, safe nursing process, patient-centered care, interprofessional coordination, professional accountability, and team-based practice.

Exam sponsor: MSNCB (Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

150 questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

Standard score 95 (about 71% correct on scored items)

Exam / Certification Fees

$267 AMSN members / $394 non-members

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 67%. (2025 MSNCB annual CMSRN statistics; cohort-level, not a first-time guarantee) This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

32%

Patient/Care Management

Nursing process, patient safety, risk recognition, medication safety, infection prevention, assessment, care coordination, nutrition, mobility, and emergency response for adult med-surg patients

15%

Holistic Patient Care

Patient-centered communication, psychosocial support, culture, spirituality, health literacy, family involvement, health promotion, and palliative or end-of-life preferences

17%

Elements of Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional communication, continuity of care, documentation, EHR and downtime procedures, technology use, quality outcome measures, and care coordination

15%

Professional Concepts

Chain of command, ethical and legal responsibilities, evidence-based practice, research judgment, policy, professional accountability, and quality improvement

21%

Nursing Teamwork and Collaboration

Delegation, supervision, scope of practice, prioritization, assignment, staff advocacy, conflict management, resource stewardship, and disaster response

Preparing for the CMSRN Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Standard score 95 (about 71% correct on scored items)
Exam length: 150 questions
Time limit: 3 hours
Exam / certification fees: $267 AMSN members / $394 non-members Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 224 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CMSRN: Suggested Study Strategy

1Focus on the 32% Patient/Care Management domain - this is the largest portion of the exam

2Review all major body systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, GI, renal, endocrine, neuro, musculoskeletal, and integumentary

3Practice questions covering delegation, prioritization, and scope of practice

4Study pharmacology concepts including drug classes, side effects, and nursing interventions

5Understand interprofessional collaboration and when to consult other healthcare team members

6Review patient education principles and health promotion strategies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CMSRN pass rate?

MSNCB annual statistics list a 67% CMSRN pass rate for 2025, with 3,246 candidates passing out of 4,845 tested. Treat that as a cohort-level benchmark, not a guarantee for a specific candidate.

How many questions are on the CMSRN exam?

The CMSRN exam has 150 multiple-choice questions. MSNCB scores 125 questions and uses the remaining 25 unscored pilot questions to gather data for future exam forms.

What is the CMSRN exam format?

The CMSRN is a 3-hour computer-based multiple-choice exam delivered through Pearson VUE testing centers or OnVUE remote proctoring after the candidate receives authorization to test.

What are the CMSRN eligibility requirements?

Candidates must hold a current, unencumbered RN license and have 2,000 hours of medical-surgical practice within the past 3 years. MSNCB recommends 2 full years of practice in a medical-surgical setting.

How much does CMSRN certification cost?

The current MSNCB initial exam fee is $267 for AMSN members and $394 for standard candidates. The handbook states that exam fees include a $90 non-refundable processing fee and are subject to change.

How long is CMSRN certification valid?

CMSRN certification is valid for 5 years. Certificants recertify through the current MSNCB recertification process, commonly by contact hours or by exam.

What is the difference between CMSRN and ANCC med-surg certification?

Both credentials validate medical-surgical nursing expertise, but CMSRN is offered by MSNCB and endorsed by AMSN, while ANCC offers its own medical-surgical nursing credential. Check employer preference and renewal requirements before choosing a path.