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

Primary (first intention) healing occurs when wound edges are cleanly approximated, minimizing dead space and microbial contamination, which is directly influenced by careful intraoperative tissue handling.

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

AORN mandates counting all soft goods, sharps (including suture needles), instruments, and miscellaneous items opened to the sterile field to prevent retained surgical items.

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

AORN recommends sterile storage areas be maintained between 64°F–75°F (18°C–24°C) to preserve packaging integrity and prevent moisture condensation that could compromise sterility.

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

Patient transfers require sufficient personnel with clear role assignments and locked transport surfaces on both sides to prevent falls or injury during the transfer.

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

NQF 'never events' (Serious Reportable Events) are serious, largely preventable occurrences—such as wrong-site surgery or retained surgical items—that signal fundamental failures in safety systems.

(AORN) Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Practice Test

(AORN) Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Practice Test

AORN Patient Safety 4