AORN Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the AORN exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 AORN Exam Format at a Glance

200

Questions

180 min

Time Limit

74%

Passing Score

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📚 AORN Topics to Study (75)

Anesthesia Basics · 7 cards Anesthesia Basics · 7 cards Anesthesia Basics · 7 cards Anesthesia Basics · 7 cards Aseptic Technique · 7 cards Aseptic Technique · 7 cards Aseptic Technique · 7 cards Aseptic Technique · 7 cards Documentation · 7 cards Documentation · 7 cards Documentation · 7 cards Documentation · 7 cards Electrosurgical Safety · 7 cards Electrosurgical Safety · 7 cards Electrosurgical Safety · 7 cards Infection Prevention and Control · 7 cards Infection Prevention and Control · 7 cards Infection Prevention and Control · 7 cards Infection Prevention and Control · 7 cards Instrument Handling · 7 cards Instrument Handling · 7 cards Instrument Handling · 7 cards Instrument Handling · 7 cards Patient Safety · 7 cards Patient Safety · 7 cards Patient Safety · 7 cards Patient Safety · 7 cards Perioperative Patient Care · 7 cards Perioperative Patient Care · 7 cards Perioperative Patient Care · 7 cards

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✍️ Sample AORN Questions & Answers

1. Keloid formation following wound healing is BEST described as:

✓ Wound closure that extends beyond the original wound margins

Keloids are caused by excessive collagen deposition during remodeling, producing a raised scar that extends beyond the original wound boundaries.

2. During an orthopedic joint replacement, the circulating nurse notices the surgical drape has a visible strike-through from blood. What is the correct action?

✓ Replace the compromised drape to re-establish sterile field integrity

Strike-through moisture compromises the sterile barrier; the drape must be replaced to prevent contamination by wicking microorganisms from the non-sterile underside.

3. What is the primary purpose of a surgical safety checklist item addressing known allergies before incision?

✓ To prevent adverse drug reactions including allergy-related infections

Verifying allergies before incision prevents administering contraindicated prophylactic agents that could cause reactions or require alternative (less effective) antibiotic choices.

4. What is the perioperative nurse's responsibility regarding medication allergies before a case?

✓ Verify and document the patient's allergy history and communicate known allergies to the entire team during the time-out

The perioperative nurse must verify, document, and communicate all known allergies during the pre-procedure verification and time-out so every team member is aware.

5. Which precaution is essential when handling instruments with tungsten carbide inserts?

✓ Handle gently to prevent chipping, as tungsten carbide is brittle despite its hardness

Tungsten carbide is extremely hard but brittle; rough handling or dropping can chip or crack the inserts, destroying the instrument's function.

6. What is the primary responsibility of the circulating nurse during a surgical procedure?

✓ Monitoring and documenting the patient’s status

The circulating nurse's primary responsibility during a surgical procedure is to manage the overall environment of the operating room and advocate for the patient. This includes monitoring the patient's physiological status, ensuring patient safety, managing non-sterile supplies, and meticulously documenting all aspects of care, while maintaining communication with the sterile team.

🎯 Free AORN Practice Tests

Patient Safety · 7 questions Aseptic Technique · 7 questions Patient Safety · 7 questions Patient Safety · 7 questions Electrosurgical Safety · 7 questions Aseptic Technique · 7 questions Electrosurgical Safety · 7 questions Electrosurgical Safety · 7 questions Patient Safety · 7 questions Aseptic Technique · 7 questions

📖 AORN Guides & Articles

Your AORN Study Path

1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation

🃏 Flashcards (497)🏆 Exam Simulation