AORN Patient Safety 2

Question 1

During a surgical timeout, a discrepancy is noted between the consent form and the surgeon's stated procedure. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Stop the procedure until the discrepancy is resolved

Answer

Proceed if the surgeon verbally confirms the correct site

Answer

Document the discrepancy and continue as the surgeon directs

Answer

Ask the circulating nurse to correct the consent form

Question 2

Which electrosurgical unit (ESU) practice best prevents a dispersive electrode burns?

Accepted Answer

Positioning the dispersive electrode on a large, well-vascularized muscle mass close to the operative site

Answer

Placing the dispersive electrode over a bony prominence for firm contact

Answer

Using the lowest possible generator setting regardless of tissue effect

Answer

Applying a second dispersive electrode when the first appears loose

Question 3

A circulating nurse notices a surgical sponge count discrepancy after wound closure. What is the priority action?

Accepted Answer

Recount with a second nurse; if still discrepant, notify the surgeon before the patient is transferred

Answer

Inform the surgeon immediately and request an X-ray before the patient leaves the OR

Answer

Complete the operative record and report the discrepancy to the charge nurse

Answer

Wait until the patient is in the PACU to perform a final recount

Question 4

What is the primary rationale for maintaining OR ambient temperature between 68°F and 75°F (20°C–24°C)?

Accepted Answer

To balance infection control needs with patient normothermia requirements

Answer

To reduce staff fatigue during long procedures

Answer

To prevent condensation on sterile instrument trays

Answer

To comply with OSHA ventilation standards for chemical exposure

Question 5

Which action best reduces the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a patient undergoing a prolonged orthopedic procedure?

Accepted Answer

Using sequential compression devices (SCDs) intraoperatively on the lower extremities

Answer

Applying anti-embolism stockings only in the PACU after surgery

Answer

Administering a prophylactic anticoagulant 24 hours before surgery

Answer

Keeping the patient in steep Trendelenburg to improve venous return

Question 6

A patient reports a latex allergy during the preoperative assessment. Which scheduling adjustment is most important?

Accepted Answer

Schedule the case as the first case of the day to minimize airborne latex particle exposure

Answer

Schedule the case last of the day to allow thorough OR cleaning afterward

Answer

Assign an extra scrub technician to monitor for allergic reactions

Answer

Request that the anesthesiologist avoid all IV medications in rubber-stoppered vials

Question 7

Which parameter is the most reliable indicator of adequate surgical hand antisepsis efficacy?

Accepted Answer

Reduction of resident and transient flora to the lowest possible level with persistent effect

Answer

Scrub duration of at least 10 minutes with any antimicrobial agent

Answer

Visible absence of soil or debris on hands and forearms

Answer

Complete elimination of all skin microorganisms including spore-forming bacteria