AORN Wound Management 5

Question 1

Which factor is the STRONGEST independent predictor of surgical site infection according to AORN evidence-based guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Preoperative hyperglycemia (blood glucose >200 mg/dL)

Answer

Preoperative hyperglycemia is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for SSI, as elevated glucose impairs neutrophil function and promotes bacterial growth.

Question 2

When counting surgical sponges near the wound, the perioperative nurse should ensure sponges are:

Accepted Answer

Separated and counted individually on a standardized count board

Answer

AORN standards require sponges to be separated and individually counted on a count board to ensure accurate accounting and prevent retained surgical items.

Question 3

A patient with a class IV (dirty-infected) wound is undergoing debridement. The perioperative nurse should anticipate which wound closure method?

Accepted Answer

Delayed primary closure or healing by secondary intention

Answer

Class IV wounds contain pre-existing infection or devitalized tissue; immediate primary closure is contraindicated due to high SSI risk, so delayed or secondary closure is preferred.

Question 4

Which action by the perioperative team MOST directly reduces the risk of a retained surgical item (RSI) in the wound?

Accepted Answer

Performing standardized instrument, sponge, and sharps counts at defined intervals

Answer

AORN mandates standardized counting protocols at defined intervals (opening, before closure, after closure) as the primary defense against retained surgical items.

Question 5

Which wound healing complication is characterized by accumulation of serous or serosanguineous fluid in a dead space below an intact wound closure?

Accepted Answer

Seroma

Answer

A seroma is a collection of serous fluid in a dead space created by tissue dissection; it is different from a hematoma, which contains blood.

(AORN) Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Practice Test

(AORN) Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Practice Test

AORN Wound Management 5