AORN AORN Medication Safety and Pharmacology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a read-back when a verbal medication order is given in the OR?
- To confirm the order was heard and understood correctly (Correct answer)
- To document the order in the patient chart simultaneously
- To alert pharmacy of the new order
- To allow the surgeon to change the order if needed
Correct answer: To confirm the order was heard and understood correctly
A read-back requires the receiver to repeat the verbal order aloud so the prescriber can confirm accuracy and prevent errors.
Question 2: Which route of medication administration is the scrub person responsible for on the sterile field?
- Topical and irrigation medications handed to the surgeon (Correct answer)
- Intravenous medications administered to the patient
- Subcutaneous injections ordered by the surgeon
- Intramuscular injections for postoperative pain
Correct answer: Topical and irrigation medications handed to the surgeon
The scrub person passes topical and irrigation medications to the surgeon on the sterile field but does not administer IV or injected medications.
Question 3: Before transferring a medication to the sterile field, the circulating nurse should perform which safety action?
- Verify drug name, concentration, and expiration with the scrub person (Correct answer)
- Ask the surgeon to confirm the medication verbally
- Check the anesthesia provider's drug log
- Review the patient's home medication list
Correct answer: Verify drug name, concentration, and expiration with the scrub person
The circulator and scrub person must both verify drug name, concentration, and expiration date before the medication is transferred to the sterile field.
Question 4: Which action should the perioperative nurse take if a medication's appearance has changed from its usual color or consistency?
- Do not use the medication and return it to pharmacy (Correct answer)
- Proceed if the label matches the order
- Dilute the medication before use
- Notify only the surgeon before use
Correct answer: Do not use the medication and return it to pharmacy
Any change in a medication's appearance is an indicator of possible contamination or degradation and the medication should not be used.
Question 5: When handling local anesthetics on the sterile field, what is the most important labeling distinction the perioperative team must make?
- Distinguishing plain from epinephrine-containing solutions (Correct answer)
- Noting the manufacturer's lot number
- Recording the time the vial was opened
- Labeling with the scrub person's initials
Correct answer: Distinguishing plain from epinephrine-containing solutions
Plain and epinephrine-containing local anesthetics must be clearly distinguished because inadvertent use of epinephrine in contraindicated sites (e.g., fingers, toes) can cause ischemia.
Question 6: What is the primary rationale for using prefilled, pharmacy-prepared syringes in the perioperative setting?
- To reduce the risk of medication preparation errors at the point of care (Correct answer)
- To decrease the number of medications needed on the sterile field
- To eliminate the need for medication labeling on the sterile field
- To allow faster administration during emergencies
Correct answer: To reduce the risk of medication preparation errors at the point of care
Pharmacy-prepared syringes undergo standardized preparation and labeling processes that reduce the risk of errors compared to bedside preparation.
AORN AORN Medication Safety and Pharmacology 2
What is the purpose of a read-back when a verbal medication order is given in the OR?