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

AORN and NIOSH recommend a capture velocity of at least 100–150 fpm at the source nozzle to effectively remove surgical smoke before it disperses into the breathing zone.

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

Moisture compromises packaging integrity and constitutes a strike-through event, rendering the contents potentially non-sterile; the package must be discarded.

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

Prolonged lithotomy position elevates compartment pressure in the lower legs through combined compression and ischemia-reperfusion injury upon repositioning.

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

Fifteen or more total air exchanges per hour (with at least 3 being outside air) dilute microbial load and particulates, directly reducing surgical site infection (SSI) risk.

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

Prolonged steep Trendelenburg causes cephalad fluid shift leading to facial, conjunctival, and pharyngeal edema, which can compromise the airway upon extubation.

(AORN) Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Practice Test

(AORN) Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Practice Test

AORN Patient Safety 3