AORN Infection Prevention and Control

Question 1

What is the primary goal of maintaining sterile technique in the operating room?

Accepted Answer

To prevent contamination of the surgical site

Answer

The primary goal of maintaining sterile technique in the operating room is to prevent the introduction of microorganisms into the patient's surgical wound. By minimizing the risk of contamination, sterile technique significantly reduces the likelihood of surgical site infections (SSIs), which can lead to serious complications and prolonged recovery for the patient.

Question 2

Which of the following is considered a break in sterile technique?

Accepted Answer

Allowing a sterile object to fall below waist level

Answer

In sterile technique, any object that falls below waist level or out of the line of sight is considered contaminated because these areas cannot be consistently monitored for sterility. This principle helps maintain a strict sterile field, preventing microorganisms from non-sterile environments from reaching the surgical site and causing infection.

Question 3

What is the proper procedure for hand hygiene before performing a surgical scrub?

Accepted Answer

Wash hands and forearms with antimicrobial soap

Answer

Before performing a surgical scrub, the proper procedure for hand hygiene involves thoroughly washing hands and forearms with an antimicrobial soap for a specified duration. This process mechanically removes transient microorganisms and reduces resident flora, preparing the skin for the application of sterile gloves and minimizing the risk of infection.

Question 4

What is the recommended action if a surgical instrument is dropped during a procedure?

Accepted Answer

Remove the instrument and replace it with a sterile one

Answer

If a surgical instrument is dropped during a procedure, it is immediately considered contaminated and must be removed from the sterile field. The correct action is to replace it with a new, sterile instrument to maintain aseptic technique and prevent the introduction of pathogens into the surgical site, thereby safeguarding patient safety.

Question 5

Which factor most significantly contributes to surgical site infections (SSIs)?

Accepted Answer

Duration of the surgery

Answer

The duration of surgery is a significant risk factor for surgical site infections (SSIs) because prolonged exposure of tissues to the environment and increased manipulation can lead to greater bacterial contamination. Longer procedures also correlate with increased patient stress and potential for compromised immune response, further elevating infection risk.

(AORN) Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Practice Test

(AORN) Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Practice Test

AORN Infection Prevention and Control