AORN Periop 101 Exam Study Guide Latest Update
2026 | Pass Exam Prep
1. Which of the following is an important consideration when draping patients
for procedures on the eye?
It is important to repel water
The environment must be free of lint
Cataract procedures are often performed without sedation
Adequate air exchange for the patient must be maintained
All of the above
2. When performing a perineal or vaginal prep, the vagina is prepped:
last
first
the vagina is not prepped
with a completely different prep set
3. In a surgical team meeting, how would you advocate for the implementation
of direct observation as a method for assessing hand hygiene compliance?
By suggesting that self-reporting is sufficient for assessing
compliance.
By presenting evidence that direct observation improves adherence
to hand hygiene protocols and reduces infection rates.
By arguing that video monitoring is more cost-effective than direct
observation.
, By emphasizing the importance of indirect observation in
understanding team dynamics.
4. Why is it essential to maintain a lint-free environment during eye procedures?
A lint-free environment is necessary for patient comfort.
A lint-free environment ensures better visibility for the surgeon.
A lint-free environment helps prevent infection and irritation to the
eye.
A lint-free environment is only important for cosmetic procedures.
5. If a surgical drape is found to have a hole during a procedure, what
immediate action should be taken to ensure patient safety?
Continue the procedure without any changes.
Adjust the drape to cover the hole.
Cover the hole with tape.
Replace the contaminated drape with a new sterile one.
Inform the patient about the issue.
6. The _______ of the sterile field draped table is the ____ portion that is
considered sterile.
sides, second
sides, only
top, best
top, only
,7. What is the primary reason for perioperative team members to wear surgical
attire?
To enhance comfort during surgery
To identify team members easily
To comply with hospital dress codes
To minimize infection risks
8. In a surgical procedure, if a patient exhibits signs of nerve damage after the
application of chlorhexidine gluconate, what should be the immediate course
of action?
Ignore the signs as they are likely unrelated to the antiseptic used.
Continue using chlorhexidine gluconate without changes.
Evaluate and document the reaction, and consider alternative
antiseptics for future procedures.
Switch to povidone-iodine immediately during the procedure.
9. Which of the following is a primary line for protecting the patient from the
transmission of pathogens during surgical procedures?
sterile gowns
surgical masks
sterile gloves
surgical hand asepsis
10. Why is it important to perform hand hygiene after touching various surfaces
and items in the surgical environment?
To comply with hospital regulations only.
, To reduce the risk of infection by minimizing microbial transfer.
To ensure the surgical team feels comfortable.
To maintain a sterile environment without any other considerations.
11. During a surgical procedure, if a scrubbed person's hands accidentally drop
below waist level, what immediate action should be taken to ensure the
sterile field remains intact?
The scrubbed person should re-scrub their hands and arms before
continuing.
They can continue working as long as they are careful.
They should notify the surgeon but continue without re-scrubbing.
They should ask another scrubbed person to assist.
12. What type of drape has an opening on it allowing access to the surgery site?
Poly-lined
Sterile
Fenestrated
Non-fenestrated
13. If a surgical team fails to perform hand antisepsis before preparing a sterile
field, what potential consequence could arise during the procedure?
Reduced need for surgical attire
Increased risk of surgical site infections
Enhanced patient recovery time
Improved efficiency in the operating room
2026 | Pass Exam Prep
1. Which of the following is an important consideration when draping patients
for procedures on the eye?
It is important to repel water
The environment must be free of lint
Cataract procedures are often performed without sedation
Adequate air exchange for the patient must be maintained
All of the above
2. When performing a perineal or vaginal prep, the vagina is prepped:
last
first
the vagina is not prepped
with a completely different prep set
3. In a surgical team meeting, how would you advocate for the implementation
of direct observation as a method for assessing hand hygiene compliance?
By suggesting that self-reporting is sufficient for assessing
compliance.
By presenting evidence that direct observation improves adherence
to hand hygiene protocols and reduces infection rates.
By arguing that video monitoring is more cost-effective than direct
observation.
, By emphasizing the importance of indirect observation in
understanding team dynamics.
4. Why is it essential to maintain a lint-free environment during eye procedures?
A lint-free environment is necessary for patient comfort.
A lint-free environment ensures better visibility for the surgeon.
A lint-free environment helps prevent infection and irritation to the
eye.
A lint-free environment is only important for cosmetic procedures.
5. If a surgical drape is found to have a hole during a procedure, what
immediate action should be taken to ensure patient safety?
Continue the procedure without any changes.
Adjust the drape to cover the hole.
Cover the hole with tape.
Replace the contaminated drape with a new sterile one.
Inform the patient about the issue.
6. The _______ of the sterile field draped table is the ____ portion that is
considered sterile.
sides, second
sides, only
top, best
top, only
,7. What is the primary reason for perioperative team members to wear surgical
attire?
To enhance comfort during surgery
To identify team members easily
To comply with hospital dress codes
To minimize infection risks
8. In a surgical procedure, if a patient exhibits signs of nerve damage after the
application of chlorhexidine gluconate, what should be the immediate course
of action?
Ignore the signs as they are likely unrelated to the antiseptic used.
Continue using chlorhexidine gluconate without changes.
Evaluate and document the reaction, and consider alternative
antiseptics for future procedures.
Switch to povidone-iodine immediately during the procedure.
9. Which of the following is a primary line for protecting the patient from the
transmission of pathogens during surgical procedures?
sterile gowns
surgical masks
sterile gloves
surgical hand asepsis
10. Why is it important to perform hand hygiene after touching various surfaces
and items in the surgical environment?
To comply with hospital regulations only.
, To reduce the risk of infection by minimizing microbial transfer.
To ensure the surgical team feels comfortable.
To maintain a sterile environment without any other considerations.
11. During a surgical procedure, if a scrubbed person's hands accidentally drop
below waist level, what immediate action should be taken to ensure the
sterile field remains intact?
The scrubbed person should re-scrub their hands and arms before
continuing.
They can continue working as long as they are careful.
They should notify the surgeon but continue without re-scrubbing.
They should ask another scrubbed person to assist.
12. What type of drape has an opening on it allowing access to the surgery site?
Poly-lined
Sterile
Fenestrated
Non-fenestrated
13. If a surgical team fails to perform hand antisepsis before preparing a sterile
field, what potential consequence could arise during the procedure?
Reduced need for surgical attire
Increased risk of surgical site infections
Enhanced patient recovery time
Improved efficiency in the operating room
