AORN AORN Medication Safety

Question 1

What is the correct method for transferring a medication from a vial to the sterile field?

Accepted Answer

The circulator holds the vial while the scrub person withdraws the medication using sterile technique, or the circulator pours it into a sterile container

Answer

The scrub person reaches over the sterile field to take the vial

Answer

The surgeon draws the medication directly from the unsterile vial

Answer

The circulator places the vial directly on the sterile back table

Question 2

How should all medications and solutions on the sterile back table be labeled?

Accepted Answer

Each container must be labeled with the drug name, concentration, and amount immediately upon transfer to the field

Answer

Labels are only required for high-alert medications

Answer

Labels are applied only when more than one medication is on the field

Answer

Verbal communication to the surgeon is sufficient labeling

Question 3

Which of the following is considered a 'high-alert medication' in the perioperative setting?

Accepted Answer

Heparin

Answer

Saline irrigation

Answer

Povidone-iodine prep solution

Answer

Sterile water for injection

Question 4

What must the scrub person do before handing a medication syringe to the surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Verbally state the drug name and concentration to the surgeon and confirm acknowledgment

Answer

Hand it over without verbal communication to save time

Answer

Label the syringe after the surgeon uses it

Answer

Ask the anesthesia provider to verify the drug

Question 5

When should medications on the sterile field be discarded?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the procedure or when the sterile field is broken, whichever comes first

Answer

Only when they expire during the case

Answer

Only if visibly contaminated

Answer

At the end of the scheduled OR day

Question 6

What information must be confirmed using a two-identifier process before administering a perioperative medication?

Accepted Answer

Patient name and date of birth (or medical record number)

Answer

Patient name and room number

Answer

Surgeon name and patient diagnosis

Answer

Procedure type and allergies only