AORN Patient Safety 4

Question 1

Which principle underlies the concept of 'first intention' wound healing relevant to perioperative patient safety?

Accepted Answer

Approximated wound edges in a clean environment heal with minimal scar tissue

Answer

Wounds heal fastest when packed with saline-moistened gauze

Answer

Secondary closure should be performed immediately after debridement

Answer

Wound healing is independent of intraoperative tissue handling technique

Question 2

Under AORN standards, which item must be included in the surgical count for all procedures involving a body cavity?

Accepted Answer

Suture needles, sponges, sharps, and all soft goods opened onto the sterile field

Answer

Only radiopaque sponges and sharps used within the body cavity

Answer

Sponges and instruments but not suture needles less than 10 mm in length

Answer

All items listed on the instrument tray regardless of whether they were used

Question 3

What is the recommended maximum allowable storage temperature for sterile packaged items in the perioperative setting?

Accepted Answer

75°F (24°C)

Answer

59°F (15°C)

Answer

84°F (29°C)

Answer

95°F (35°C)

Question 4

A circulating nurse is preparing to transfer a patient from the OR table to the transport stretcher. Which patient safety measure is most critical?

Accepted Answer

Confirm adequate personnel are present and all team members are positioned before moving the patient

Answer

Ensure the patient's head is elevated 30 degrees during transfer

Answer

Remove all monitoring leads before initiating the transfer

Answer

Lock only the OR table; the stretcher can remain unlocked if held firmly

Question 5

Which characteristic defines a 'never event' in the perioperative context according to the National Quality Forum (NQF)?

Accepted Answer

A serious, largely preventable patient safety event that should never occur in a healthcare setting

Answer

An adverse event that occurred despite adherence to best practice guidelines

Answer

Any intraoperative complication requiring unplanned return to the OR

Answer

A medication error that does not result in patient harm

Question 6

A scrub person hands the surgeon a sharps item. What technique should be used to minimize needlestick injury?

Accepted Answer

Use a neutral (hands-free) passing zone such as a designated basin or magnetic mat

Answer

Hand the sharp directly to the surgeon using eye contact to confirm receipt

Answer

Recap the needle before passing it to reduce exposure risk

Answer

Pass the sharp with the tip directed away from both parties

Question 7

Which intervention is most effective in preventing perioperative hypothermia in adult surgical patients?

Accepted Answer

Applying forced-air warming preoperatively and maintaining it intraoperatively

Answer

Increasing IV fluid infusion rate to generate metabolic heat

Answer

Covering the patient's head with a surgical cap intraoperatively

Answer

Raising OR ambient temperature to 80°F immediately before skin preparation