Which combination of roles is listed as perioperative nursing?

• A. CRNA, RN 1st Assistant
• B. CNA, CNS
• C. LPN, RN
• D. Certified midwife, CNA

Answer: (A)

Perioperative nursing includes the roles that directly support the patient before, during, and after surgery, particularly in the operating room. A CRNA provides anesthesia and closely monitors the patient through the procedure, while an RN First Assistant works alongside the surgeon to perform essential intraoperative tasks such as exposure, suturing, and tissue handling under the surgeon’s direction. This pairing captures the anesthesia and intraoperative surgical-support functions that define perioperative care.

The other options mix roles that aren’t standard perioperative pairings. Nursing assistants (CNAs) are not licensed to perform intraoperative responsibilities; LPNs typically don’t serve as surgical first assistants; CNSs focus on specialty practice and system-level roles rather than direct intraoperative duties; certified midwives specialize in obstetric care.