AORN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield AORN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. 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
2. A patient develops a sudden decrease in ETCO2 to near zero while on cardiopulmonary bypass. The most likely explanation is: → Correct—the heart and lungs are bypassed, so no pulmonary CO2 elimination occurs
3. A sterile package is found with a small puncture in the outer wrap. The correct action is to: → Reprocess the item regardless of inner wrap integrity
4. A biological indicator (BI) is placed in a sterilization load. What organism is used in steam sterilization BIs? → Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores
5. During a case, a visitor observing in the OR sneezes near the sterile field without a mask. What action should be taken? → Stop and assess the field; consider it contaminated and re-establish if necessary
6. Which assessment finding in a post-operative patient who was in lithotomy position most suggests compartment syndrome of the lower leg? → Pain out of proportion to the procedure and firmness of the calf
7. What does the term 'look-alike, sound-alike' (LASA) refer to in medication safety? → Drugs with similar names or packaging that are frequently confused with one another
8. A scrubbed team member's sterile gown becomes saturated with blood during a lengthy procedure. What is the correct response? → Change the gown immediately because strike-through contamination has occurred
9. When a scrub technician performs a task outside their competency, the circulating RN's professional responsibility is to: → Intervene immediately to protect patient safety
10. Why are radiopaque markers incorporated into surgical sponges? → To allow detection via X-ray if a sponge is inadvertently retained
11. The circulator notes that the surgical count is incorrect before skin closure. What is the FIRST action? → Notify the surgeon and perform a methodical recount
12. Which positioning device is specifically recommended by AORN to protect the ulnar nerve at the elbow? → Gel pad over the medial epicondyle
13. Which wound healing complication is characterized by accumulation of serous or serosanguineous fluid in a dead space below an intact wound closure? → Seroma
14. What term is used to describe a surgical sponge, instrument, or device unintentionally left inside a patient after surgery? → Retained surgical item (RSI)
15. What is the first priority in any emergency situation? → Ensure the safety of all personnel
16. Which of the following is the recommended method for verifying instrument sterility at the point of use? → Inspecting the chemical indicator inside the package
17. What is a Hounsfield unit? → A quantitative measurement of tissue density on CT images
18. What is the correct way to clean instruments with serrated jaws between cases during a procedure? → Use a moist sponge or brush to remove blood and debris from the serrations
19. What is the primary purpose of pre-oxygenation (denitrogenation) before general anesthesia induction? → To extend the safe apnea period by increasing oxygen reserves in the lungs
20. The perioperative nurse notes a patient's SpO2 is 94% on room air pre-operatively. What is the most appropriate initial action? → Notify the anesthesia provider and document the finding
21. What is the nurse's role in facilitating communication within the surgical team? → Promoting clear, respectful, and effective communication during the procedure
22. Which of the following interventions is most important for preventing postoperative complications? → Monitoring for signs of infection and addressing them early
23. Which factor poses the greatest fire risk in the OR during a head and neck procedure? → Open oxygen-enriched environment combined with an ignition source
24. A perioperative nurse notices a colleague appears impaired at the start of a shift. The MOST appropriate action is to: → Report the concern to the charge nurse or supervisor immediately
25. Which statement correctly describes the concept of 'surgical conscience' in perioperative nursing? → An internal commitment to uphold sterile technique even when not observed
26. Which item is most likely to be damaged or rendered ineffective by ethylene oxide sterilization? → Certain pharmaceuticals and medications
27. What are standard precautions in healthcare? → Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious
28. Which of the following is a TRUE statement about flash sterilization (immediate-use steam sterilization/IUSS) according to AORN? → It should be used only in emergency situations when no other option exists
29. What is the correct order for donning PPE? → Gown, mask, eye protection, gloves
30. What is the most effective way to prevent healthcare-associated infections? → Proper hand hygiene