CFPN Exam Format | Course Contents | Outline | Syllabus | Objectives

CFPN Exam Syllabus & Study Guide

Before you start practicing with our exam simulator, it is essential to understand the official CFPN exam objectives. This course outline serves as your roadmap.

The information below reflects the 2026 syllabus defined by CCI.

Below are complete topics detail with latest syllabus and course outline, that will help you good knowledge about exam objectives and topics that you have to prepare. These contents are covered in questions and answers pool of exam.

Pre/postoperative Patient Assessment and Diagnosis - Patient history taking (medical, surgical, allergies, medications) - Physical assessment (vital signs, airway, skin integrity, neurological status) - Psychosocial and cultural assessment - Risk factor identification (e.g., comorbidities, obesity, smoking, age-related risks) - Diagnostic test interpretation (labs, imaging, ECG) - Nursing diagnoses formulation (e.g., risk for injury, anxiety, deficient knowledge) - Preoperative education and informed consent verification - Post-operative baseline comparison and ongoing monitoring - Pain, nausea, and complication risk assessment Individualized Plan of Care Development and Expected Outcomes - Developing patient-centered, evidence-based care plans - Setting realistic, measurable expected outcomes - Incorporating patient preferences, values, and cultural considerations - Collaboration with interdisciplinary team (surgeon, anesthesia, etc.) - Prioritizing interventions based on assessment data - Outcome identification for pre-, intra-, and post-operative phases - Modification of plan based on changing patient status - Patient and family education planning - Discharge planning and continuity of care considerations Management of Intraoperative Activities Patient care and safety - Patient identification, verification, and time-out procedures - Safe patient positioning and pressure injury prevention - Monitoring physiological status (vital signs, oxygenation, temperature) - Medication administration and management (including anesthesia considerations) - Prevention of patient injuries (e.g., burns, nerve damage, falls) - Specimen handling and labeling - Wound classification and management - Maintaining normothermia and fluid balance - Radiation and laser safety measures Management of Personnel, Services and Materials - Surgical team roles and coordination (circulator, scrub, anesthesia) - Equipment and supply management (availability, functionality, sterilization) - Inventory control and cost-effective resource use - Room setup and turnover efficiency - Delegation and supervision of personnel - Management of services (e.g., radiology, pathology) - Handling of implants, biologics, and special equipment - Environmental safety (traffic control, temperature, humidity) Communication and Documentation - Effective hand-off communication (e.g., SBAR) - Intraoperative documentation standards and legal requirements - Informed consent and advance directive communication - Team communication during critical events - Patient and family communication and education - Incident reporting and chain of command - Electronic health record usage in perioperative setting - Confidentiality and information security Infection Prevention and Control of Environment, Instrumentation and Supplies - Aseptic technique and sterile field maintenance - Surgical hand antisepsis and gloving/gowning - Instrument processing, sterilization, and storage - Environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols - Traffic patterns and OR attire - Prevention of surgical site infections (SSI) - Handling of contaminated items and waste management - Personal protective equipment (PPE) use - High-level disinfection and single-use items Emergency Situations - Recognition and response to cardiac arrest - Malignant hyperthermia management - Fire prevention and response in the OR - Anaphylaxis and allergic reactions - Hemorrhage and massive transfusion protocols - Airway emergencies and difficult intubation - Power failure or equipment malfunction - Chemical, radiation, or laser emergencies - Patient evacuation and disaster response Professional Accountabilities - Ethical and legal responsibilities in perioperative nursing - Scope of practice and standards of care - Professional boundaries and advocacy for patients - Continuing education and lifelong learning - Quality improvement and performance improvement initiatives - Risk management and patient safety protocols - Regulatory compliance (e.g., Joint Commission, OSHA) - Self-care and prevention of burnout/compassion fatigue - Mentoring and professional development