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

Alcohol-based hand rubs are more effective than soap and water against most pathogens and are recommended for routine hand hygiene when hands are visibly clean.

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

In lateral decubitus, the common peroneal nerve at the fibular head of the dependent leg is highly susceptible to compression injury if padding is inadequate.

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

Alcohol-containing preps are highly flammable; pooled or undried solution beneath drapes can ignite from electrosurgery sparks, so full drying before draping is mandatory.

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

The fire triad requires an ignition source (electrosurgery, laser), an oxidizer (oxygen or nitrous oxide), and a fuel (drapes, prep solutions, hair) — removing any one element prevents fire.

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

Factual, objective documentation including all count results, discrepancy discovery time, actions taken (radiograph, surgeon notification), and outcome is required for risk management and regulatory reporting.

(AORN) Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Practice Test

(AORN) Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Practice Test

AORN Patient Safety 5