CNOR - Certification Infection Prevention and Control Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient undergoing a colon resection is diagnosed postoperatively with a surgical site infection (SSI).
Which of the following is the MOST common source of microorganisms causing this type of infection?

Accepted Answer

The patient's own endogenous flora

Answer

Contaminated surgical instruments

Answer

The operating room air

Answer

A break in sterile technique by the surgical team

Question 2

According to the most recent CDC and AORN guidelines, which of the following is the recommended practice for preoperative patient bathing to prevent surgical site infections?

Accepted Answer

A full-body shower or bath with either antimicrobial or non-antimicrobial soap is advised at least the night before surgery.

Answer

The patient must shower with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) soap the morning of surgery.

Answer

Preoperative bathing is no longer recommended as it does not significantly reduce SSI rates.

Answer

The surgical site should be shaved with a razor and cleansed with an antiseptic agent the evening before surgery.

Question 3

A perioperative nurse is preparing for a case involving a patient with known methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a draining wound. In addition to Standard Precautions, which type of transmission-based precautions should be implemented?

Accepted Answer

Contact Precautions

Answer

Airborne Precautions

Answer

Droplet Precautions

Answer

Protective Environment

Question 4

During room turnover after a surgical case, what is the correct sequence for environmental cleaning and disinfection?

Accepted Answer

From top to bottom, and from cleanest to dirtiest areas.

Answer

From dirtiest to cleanest areas to contain contaminants.

Answer

From the floor up to the ceiling to capture falling dust.

Answer

Simultaneously cleaning all surfaces to maximize efficiency.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about surgical attire is most consistent with current AORN guidelines for infection prevention?

Accepted Answer

Surgical attire contaminated with blood or body fluids should be changed promptly before leaving the work area.

Answer

Shoe covers are mandatory for all personnel entering the semi-restricted areas.

Answer

Surgical masks may be untied and worn around the neck between cases.

Answer

Lanyards made of porous material are acceptable if they remain under a cover gown.

Question 6

A surgical instrument tray wrapped in a woven textile has been processed in a steam sterilizer. The external chemical indicator has changed color, but the internal indicator has not. What is the most appropriate action for the perioperative nurse to take?

Accepted Answer

Send the tray to be re-sterilized immediately without opening it.

Answer

Use the instruments since the external indicator shows the package was processed.

Answer

Open the tray in the sterile field but inspect instruments for any visible residue before use.

Answer

Document the discrepancy and use the instruments for the current case only.