AORN Periop 101 Exam Latest Update 2026 | Exam Prep |
High-Yield Review Guide
1. What is the primary concern when using electrosurgery on a patient with an
implanted electrical device?
The IED should be removed prior to surgery.
Only monopolar surgery is safe.
The patient should not be monitored during surgery.
Bipolar surgery should be used whenever possible.
2. If a preoperative nurse encounters a situation where a patient has consented
to surgery but the family disagrees, what should the nurse prioritize in their
response?
The nurse should prioritize the family's wishes over the patient.
The nurse should ignore the family's concerns.
The nurse should prioritize the patient's autonomy and informed
consent.
The nurse should delay the surgery until family agreement is reached.
3. What is one of the key responsibilities of perioperative nurses during the
informed consent process?
Act as a witness attesting to the authenticity of the patient's
signature.
Provide anesthesia to the patient.
Make decisions about the patient's treatment.
Perform the surgical procedure.
,4. If a nurse fails to document a 'Time Out' discrepancy and an adverse event
occurs during surgery, what potential implications could arise?
Improved patient satisfaction scores.
Increased surgical efficiency.
No implications as long as the surgery is successful.
Legal and professional accountability issues.
5. A pre-procedure verification process, marking the surgical site, and
performing a time-out before each surgery are all part of a process known as
a(the)
Utilitarianism protocol
Joint Commission
Universal Protocol
Root Cause Analysis
6. Which of the following documentation must be included in a patient's
medical record prior to performing a surgical procedure?
History, physical examination, anaesthetic record
Consent for operative procedure, history, physical examination
Consent for operative procedure, anaesthetic record, surgical report
Physical exam, problem list, anaesthetic record
7. When there is a break in sterile technique, the minimum corrective actions
should be:
removing the entire tray and contaminated instruments from the OR.
having team members change any potentially contaminated gloves.
, making any additional corrective actions that may required subject to
thoughtful assessment.
All of the above
8. Describe the significance of using a laparotomy drape during an umbilical
hernia repair.
A laparotomy drape is primarily for cosmetic purposes.
A laparotomy drape is used to minimize patient discomfort during
surgery.
A laparotomy drape is used only in emergency surgeries.
A laparotomy drape provides adequate coverage and access to the
surgical site, ensuring a sterile environment.
9. What is one abbreviation that is considered a DO-NOT-USE according to the
Joint Commission?
mg (for milligrams)
PO (for orally)
IV (for intravenous)
U (for unit)
10. Sterile technique is:
a microbe-free technique
used for routine patient care
free of pathogens only
used only in the operating room
, 11. What is the nurse's role in informed consent for a surgical operation?:
Start an IV
Mark the surgical site
Witness the signature of the patient and surgeon
Give report to another nurse in the room
12. Placing the patient in Trendelenburg position is an appropriate intervention
against:
Hypertension
Disorientation
Hypotension
13. What is one method mentioned for preventing exposure to blood-borne
pathogens during surgical procedures?
Avoiding contact with blood.
Using a face shield at all times.
Changing gloves during regular intervals during a procedure.
Wearing a gown during all procedures.
14. Describe how a proactive approach contributes to patient safety in the
operating room.
A proactive approach is less effective than a reactive approach in
ensuring safety.
A proactive approach anticipates potential issues and implements
strategies to prevent them, enhancing patient safety.
High-Yield Review Guide
1. What is the primary concern when using electrosurgery on a patient with an
implanted electrical device?
The IED should be removed prior to surgery.
Only monopolar surgery is safe.
The patient should not be monitored during surgery.
Bipolar surgery should be used whenever possible.
2. If a preoperative nurse encounters a situation where a patient has consented
to surgery but the family disagrees, what should the nurse prioritize in their
response?
The nurse should prioritize the family's wishes over the patient.
The nurse should ignore the family's concerns.
The nurse should prioritize the patient's autonomy and informed
consent.
The nurse should delay the surgery until family agreement is reached.
3. What is one of the key responsibilities of perioperative nurses during the
informed consent process?
Act as a witness attesting to the authenticity of the patient's
signature.
Provide anesthesia to the patient.
Make decisions about the patient's treatment.
Perform the surgical procedure.
,4. If a nurse fails to document a 'Time Out' discrepancy and an adverse event
occurs during surgery, what potential implications could arise?
Improved patient satisfaction scores.
Increased surgical efficiency.
No implications as long as the surgery is successful.
Legal and professional accountability issues.
5. A pre-procedure verification process, marking the surgical site, and
performing a time-out before each surgery are all part of a process known as
a(the)
Utilitarianism protocol
Joint Commission
Universal Protocol
Root Cause Analysis
6. Which of the following documentation must be included in a patient's
medical record prior to performing a surgical procedure?
History, physical examination, anaesthetic record
Consent for operative procedure, history, physical examination
Consent for operative procedure, anaesthetic record, surgical report
Physical exam, problem list, anaesthetic record
7. When there is a break in sterile technique, the minimum corrective actions
should be:
removing the entire tray and contaminated instruments from the OR.
having team members change any potentially contaminated gloves.
, making any additional corrective actions that may required subject to
thoughtful assessment.
All of the above
8. Describe the significance of using a laparotomy drape during an umbilical
hernia repair.
A laparotomy drape is primarily for cosmetic purposes.
A laparotomy drape is used to minimize patient discomfort during
surgery.
A laparotomy drape is used only in emergency surgeries.
A laparotomy drape provides adequate coverage and access to the
surgical site, ensuring a sterile environment.
9. What is one abbreviation that is considered a DO-NOT-USE according to the
Joint Commission?
mg (for milligrams)
PO (for orally)
IV (for intravenous)
U (for unit)
10. Sterile technique is:
a microbe-free technique
used for routine patient care
free of pathogens only
used only in the operating room
, 11. What is the nurse's role in informed consent for a surgical operation?:
Start an IV
Mark the surgical site
Witness the signature of the patient and surgeon
Give report to another nurse in the room
12. Placing the patient in Trendelenburg position is an appropriate intervention
against:
Hypertension
Disorientation
Hypotension
13. What is one method mentioned for preventing exposure to blood-borne
pathogens during surgical procedures?
Avoiding contact with blood.
Using a face shield at all times.
Changing gloves during regular intervals during a procedure.
Wearing a gown during all procedures.
14. Describe how a proactive approach contributes to patient safety in the
operating room.
A proactive approach is less effective than a reactive approach in
ensuring safety.
A proactive approach anticipates potential issues and implements
strategies to prevent them, enhancing patient safety.
