AORN Patient Safety 5

Question 1

Which hand hygiene product is recommended by AORN as superior for routine decontamination when hands are not visibly soiled in the perioperative setting?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) with at least 60% ethanol or isopropanol

Answer

Plain soap and water for at least 60 seconds

Answer

Chlorhexidine gluconate scrub solution

Answer

Iodine-based antiseptic wipes

Question 2

A patient undergoing total hip arthroplasty is repositioned to the lateral decubitus position. Which nerve is most at risk for injury during this positioning?

Accepted Answer

Common peroneal nerve from compression at the fibular head

Answer

Median nerve from wrist extension

Answer

Femoral nerve from hip flexion

Answer

Radial nerve from pressure in the axilla

Question 3

When preparing a surgical site with an alcohol-containing antiseptic, what is the most critical fire-prevention precaution?

Accepted Answer

Allow the prep solution to fully dry and vapors to dissipate before draping

Answer

Limit prep area to 4 inches beyond the incision site

Answer

Apply the prep solution at room temperature only

Answer

Use a single applicator stroke from periphery to center

Question 4

According to the AORN fire risk assessment triad, which three elements must coexist to produce a surgical fire?

Accepted Answer

Ignition source, oxygen-enriched environment, and combustible fuel

Answer

Flammable prep solution, open flame, and nitrous oxide

Answer

Electrical equipment, draping material, and inadequate ventilation

Answer

Laser energy, dry tissue, and supplemental oxygen above 30%

Question 5

Which documentation element is most critical when reporting an intraoperative retained surgical item event?

Accepted Answer

An objective, factual account of count results, actions taken, and provider notifications

Answer

A subjective explanation of why the count discrepancy occurred

Answer

Only the final corrected count after the item was located

Answer

The charge nurse's assessment of team performance

Question 6

A patient with a known allergy to iodine is scheduled for surgery. The surgeon orders a betadine (povidone-iodine) prep. What is the perioperative nurse's most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Clarify the allergy details with the patient and notify the surgeon of the documented allergy before applying any prep

Answer

Proceed with a diluted betadine solution to reduce allergenic potential

Answer

Apply the prep and monitor closely for anaphylaxis signs

Answer

Substitute with alcohol alone without surgeon notification

Question 7

In the perioperative setting, which action best demonstrates a 'culture of safety'?

Accepted Answer

Any team member can stop the procedure to voice a safety concern without fear of retaliation

Answer

Team members follow safety protocols only when supervisors are present

Answer

Safety concerns are directed exclusively through the chain of command before action is taken

Answer

Near-miss events are handled informally to avoid administrative burden