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100+ Free CPSN Practice Questions

Pass your PSNCB Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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A patient 3 days post-augmentation mammaplasty has a temperature of 38.8°C and reports breast pain. This is MOST likely due to:

A
B
C
D
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PSNCB CANS Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist

Practice Questions
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CPSN Exam

175

Total Questions

150 scored + 25 pilot

4 hrs

Exam Time

C-NET / PSNCB

~72%

Passing Score

Scaled standard

$325/$495

Exam Fee

ISPAN member / non-member

3 years

Certification Valid

PSNCB recertification cycle

1,000 hrs

Required Hours

In 2 of preceding 3 years

The CPSN exam contains 175 questions (150 scored) over 4 hours. Content covers plastic surgical nursing across aesthetic and reconstructive domains. Eligibility requires current RN license plus 2 years and 1,000 hours of plastic surgical nursing experience. PSNCB certification demonstrates expertise in perioperative care, flap monitoring, implant management, scar treatment, and patient safety in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.

Sample CPSN Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CPSN exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which skin layer contains the keratinocytes that undergo mitosis to renew the epidermis?
A.Stratum corneum
B.Stratum lucidum
C.Stratum basale
D.Stratum granulosum
Explanation: The stratum basale (basal layer) is the deepest epidermal layer and is the site of active mitosis. New keratinocytes migrate upward through the other layers, eventually becoming flattened, keratinized cells in the stratum corneum.
2The subdermal vascular plexus providing the primary blood supply to the skin is located in the:
A.Papillary dermis
B.Reticular dermis
C.Hypodermis (subcutaneous layer)
D.Stratum spinosum
Explanation: The hypodermis contains the deep subdermal plexus, which supplies the overlying skin via perforating vessels. The superficial plexus lies at the dermal-epidermal junction; the deep plexus originates in the subcutaneous fat.
3Which principle describes perforator flaps: vessels that pierce the deep fascia and travel through muscle or septum to supply the overlying skin?
A.Random-pattern flap principle
B.Axial-pattern flap principle
C.Perforasome concept
D.Zone-of-perfusion model
Explanation: The perforasome concept describes the three-dimensional territory of skin supplied by a single perforator. Perforators pierce the deep fascia from a source vessel, nourishing the overlying skin without necessarily carrying a named axial vessel.
4The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap harvests skin and fat from the lower abdomen while preserving the:
A.Rectus abdominis muscle
B.External oblique muscle
C.Transversus abdominis muscle
D.Internal oblique muscle
Explanation: DIEP flap dissection spares the rectus abdominis muscle entirely, threading the perforating vessels through or between muscle fibers. This reduces donor-site morbidity compared to the TRAM flap, which sacrifices the muscle.
5Lymphatic drainage from the breast flows primarily to which nodal basin?
A.Inguinal nodes
B.Axillary nodes
C.Cervical nodes
D.Mesenteric nodes
Explanation: Approximately 75% of breast lymph drains to axillary lymph nodes. The internal mammary chain receives drainage from the medial breast. This anatomy is critical when planning reconstruction or monitoring for lymphedema post-mastectomy.
6A patient undergoes rhytidectomy (facelift). On post-op hour 4, the nurse notes rapid cheek swelling and the patient reports severe pain. The priority intervention is:
A.Administer IV ketorolac
B.Apply ice packs bilaterally
C.Notify surgeon immediately for possible hematoma
D.Elevate head of bed to 45 degrees
Explanation: Hematoma is the most common serious complication of rhytidectomy, occurring in 3–15% of cases (higher in men). Rapid, unilateral swelling with pain post-facelift requires emergent surgical evaluation and evacuation.
7During blepharoplasty, which nerve is most at risk from excessive lateral traction and must be identified to prevent ectropion?
A.Facial nerve (CN VII) zygomatic branch
B.Trigeminal nerve (CN V) ophthalmic branch
C.Infratrochlear nerve
D.Supraorbital nerve
Explanation: Ectropion after lower blepharoplasty results from excessive skin removal or injury to the zygomatic/marginal mandibular branches of CN VII, which innervate the orbicularis oculi. Preserving orbicularis function prevents lower lid retraction.
8Preoperative photography for aesthetic surgery serves as documentation of baseline appearance. ASPS guidelines require photos to be stored in the:
A.Surgeon's personal files only
B.Patient's medical record with written consent
C.Waiting-room display after consent
D.Social media to market outcomes
Explanation: ASPS standards mandate that pre- and post-operative photographs be stored securely in the patient's medical record, with documented written consent for each intended use. Sharing outside the medical record requires separate explicit consent.
9The Caprini Risk Assessment Model is used perioperatively to stratify risk of:
A.Surgical site infection
B.Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
C.Malignant hyperthermia
D.Perioperative anemia
Explanation: The Caprini score stratifies patient VTE risk using surgery type, patient factors (age, mobility, history), and procedure length. Plastic surgery patients with scores ≥5 are high-risk and typically receive chemical prophylaxis plus pneumatic compression.
10A Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain differs from a Hemovac drain primarily in:
A.Reservoir shape and capacity
B.Inability to handle serosanguineous fluid
C.Requirement for active suction
D.Material composition
Explanation: JP drains use a bulb reservoir (~100 mL) maintained under closed suction, whereas Hemovac drains use a flat, spring-loaded reservoir (~500 mL). Both use closed-suction mechanisms; selection depends on expected drainage volume.

About the CPSN Exam

The CPSN certification validates specialized knowledge in plastic and reconstructive surgical nursing. Content spans plastic surgery anatomy and physiology, aesthetic procedures (rhytidectomy, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, breast surgery, body contouring), reconstructive procedures (breast reconstruction, cleft lip/palate, skin grafts, free-flap monitoring), wound healing and scar management, perioperative nursing, VTE prophylaxis, implant safety (BIA-ALCL), BBL fat-embolism risk, patient psychological assessment (BDD), and AAAASF accreditation standards. The exam contains 175 items (150 scored, 25 pilot) delivered by C-NET at in-person testing centers.

Questions

175 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

Approximately 72% correct (scaled passing standard)

Exam Fee

$325-495 (PSNCB (Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board) / C-NET)

CPSN Exam Content Outline

~35%

Reconstructive Procedures

Breast reconstruction (TRAM, DIEP, latissimus dorsi, tissue expanders, implants), cleft lip and palate repair, skin grafts (STSG/FTSG), free-flap monitoring, head and neck reconstruction, burn management

~35%

Cosmetic/Aesthetic Procedures

Rhytidectomy (facelift), blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, brow lift, otoplasty, breast augmentation/reduction/mastopexy, abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, thigh lift, BBL, liposuction, fat grafting

~30%

Nursing Activities & Patient Safety

Perioperative assessment, surgical positioning and nerve injury prevention, wound healing phases, hypertrophic scars and keloids, VTE/Caprini risk, drains (JP/Hemovac/Penrose), pain management (multimodal/ERAS), anesthesia (MAC/GA/local), BDD screening, informed consent, AAAASF accreditation, photography standards, implant safety (BIA-ALCL)

How to Pass the CPSN Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Approximately 72% correct (scaled passing standard)
  • Exam length: 175 questions
  • Time limit: 4 hours
  • Exam fee: $325-495

Keys to Passing

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

CPSN Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the four wound healing phases and their characteristic cellular and molecular events
2Distinguish hypertrophic scars (confined, regress) from keloids (extend beyond wound, recur) and treatment differences
3Understand free-flap monitoring: color, temperature, capillary refill, and Doppler — and when to call the surgeon
4Know the Caprini VTE risk score and when LMWH vs. SCDs alone is indicated in plastic surgery patients
5Study breast reconstruction options (TRAM, DIEP, latissimus, implant) and their vascular pedicles
6Learn BBL fat embolism risk and ASPS subcutaneous-only injection protocol
7Review BIA-ALCL: textured implants, late seroma presentation, capsulectomy treatment
8Know Baker grades for capsular contracture and management per grade
9Study intraoperative positioning risks: brachial plexus (arm abduction >90°), peroneal nerve (fibular head), ulnar nerve (elbow)
10Understand tumescent liposuction composition and LAST toxicity recognition and management

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CPSN exam?

The CPSN (Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse) is a specialty certification offered by PSNCB (Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board). It validates advanced knowledge in aesthetic and reconstructive surgical nursing, including perioperative care, wound management, flap monitoring, and patient safety.

What are the CPSN eligibility requirements?

To sit for the CPSN exam, you must have: (1) current unrestricted RN license in the US, territories, or Canada; (2) minimum 2 years of plastic surgical nursing experience; (3) at least 1,000 practice hours in plastic surgical nursing during 2 of the preceding 3 years; and (4) current employment in collaboration with a board-certified plastic, oculoplastic, or facial plastic surgeon.

How many questions are on the CPSN exam?

The CPSN exam contains 175 questions total, with 150 scored questions and 25 unscored pilot questions. You have 4 hours to complete the exam. The exam is administered in person by C-NET (Center for Nursing Education and Testing).

What content areas are covered on the CPSN exam?

The CPSN exam covers plastic surgical nursing across two broad areas: clinical practice (reconstructive procedures such as breast reconstruction, cleft lip/palate, and skin grafts; and cosmetic/aesthetic procedures such as rhytidectomy, blepharoplasty, liposuction, and BBL) and nursing activities (perioperative assessment, wound healing, scar management, VTE prophylaxis, patient safety, and professional standards).

What is the CPSN passing score?

The CPSN passing score is approximately 72% correct answers. The exam uses scaled scoring. Results are mailed 4–6 weeks after the exam date. PSNCB does not publish official pass rates.

How long is CPSN certification valid?

CPSN certification is valid for 3 years. Recertification requires meeting all current eligibility requirements and accumulating 45 contact hours of continuing education in plastic surgical nursing and related fields.

How should I prepare for the CPSN exam?

Study systematically across all content domains using the PSNCB exam handbook, ISPAN Core Curriculum for Plastic and Aesthetic Nursing (5th edition), and ASPS clinical guidelines. Focus on free-flap monitoring, implant complications (BIA-ALCL, capsular contracture), BBL safety, VTE/Caprini risk stratification, wound healing phases, and perioperative positioning hazards. Plan 8–16 weeks of dedicated study.