AORN Patient Safety 3

Question 1

When using a smoke evacuator during laser or electrosurgical procedures, what is the minimum capture velocity recommended at the source?

Accepted Answer

100 feet per minute (fpm)

Answer

35 feet per minute (fpm)

Answer

200 feet per minute (fpm)

Answer

350 feet per minute (fpm)

Question 2

A perioperative nurse preparing a sterile back table notices the outer wrap of a package is slightly damp. What should be done?

Accepted Answer

Consider the package contaminated and retrieve a replacement

Answer

Open the package and inspect the inner wrap; use if inner wrap is dry

Answer

Use the package immediately to prevent further moisture exposure

Answer

Dry the package with a sterile towel and document the incident

Question 3

Which intraoperative position creates the greatest risk for compartment syndrome of the lower extremities?

Accepted Answer

Lithotomy with legs elevated in stirrups for more than 2 hours

Answer

Supine with arms tucked

Answer

Lateral with axillary roll in place

Answer

Prone with chest rolls supporting the thorax

Question 4

What is the purpose of maintaining a minimum of 15 air exchanges per hour in an operating room?

Accepted Answer

To dilute and remove airborne contaminants and reduce surgical site infection risk

Answer

To maintain positive pressure relative to surrounding corridors

Answer

To keep temperature within the recommended range of 68°F–75°F

Answer

To prevent static electricity buildup on equipment surfaces

Question 5

During a robotic-assisted procedure, the patient is placed in steep Trendelenburg for 4 hours. Which complication should the perioperative nurse most closely monitor for postoperatively?

Accepted Answer

Facial and airway edema due to prolonged dependent positioning

Answer

Hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to OR temperature

Answer

Corneal abrasion from eye pressure in steep Trendelenburg

Answer

Brachial plexus injury from shoulder braces

Question 6

Which action is most appropriate when a perioperative team member witnesses a sterile field break?

Accepted Answer

Immediately verbalize the break and correct it before proceeding

Answer

Note the break in the operative record and continue if minor

Answer

Inform the surgeon after the procedure to maintain workflow

Answer

Cover the contaminated area with a sterile drape and continue

Question 7

A patient with an implanted cardiac pacemaker is scheduled for a laparoscopic procedure using monopolar electrosurgery. What is the most important safety measure?

Accepted Answer

Consult cardiology and consider using bipolar or ultrasonic energy devices instead

Answer

Disable the pacemaker before the procedure begins

Answer

Place the dispersive electrode as far from the pacemaker as possible

Answer

Use the highest power setting to reduce activation time near the pacemaker