FREE AORN Professional Roles and Responsibilities Questions and Answers
What is the primary responsibility of the circulating nurse during a surgical procedure?
The circulating nurse’s primary responsibility is to monitor and document the patient’s condition, ensure the surgical team adheres to protocols, and manage the overall environment in the operating room.
Which action demonstrates ethical responsibility in perioperative nursing?
Ensuring the patient fully understands the procedure respects their autonomy and aligns with ethical nursing practices, which emphasize informed consent.
How should a perioperative nurse handle a situation where the surgical team is about to begin a procedure on the wrong site?
Stopping the procedure and initiating a surgical timeout ensures patient safety and adheres to protocols designed to prevent wrong-site surgeries, which are serious sentinel events.
What is the nurse's role in facilitating communication within the surgical team?
Effective communication is essential for patient safety and a well-coordinated team. Nurses play a key role in fostering a collaborative and respectful environment.
Why is accurate documentation critical in perioperative nursing?
Accurate documentation ensures a complete and detailed record of the patient’s care, which is vital for continuity of care, legal protection, and quality assurance.