FREE AORN Safety and Emergency Preparedness Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of the surgical safety checklist?
The surgical safety checklist improves team communication and helps identify potential safety concerns, reducing the likelihood of errors like wrong-site surgery or retained surgical items.
Which is the first action a nurse should take during an intraoperative cardiac arrest?
Alerting the team and initiating emergency protocols are critical for managing a cardiac arrest, ensuring timely resuscitative efforts and maintaining patient safety.
What is the most effective way to prevent retained surgical items?
Performing a meticulous count of instruments, sponges, and other items before, during, and after surgery is essential to prevent retained surgical items, a serious patient safety concern.
What is the nurse’s role during a fire in the operating room?
In the event of a fire, the nurse’s priority is to extinguish the fire and evacuate the patient to a safe environment. Quick action can prevent injury and minimize damage.
Which of the following is an appropriate action if a nurse notices a possible allergic reaction during surgery?
Alerting the surgical team and initiating emergency protocols ensures prompt intervention, which is critical for managing allergic reactions and preventing complications like anaphylaxis.