AORN Standards and Perioperative Practice 70 Questions | Accurate
& Verified Answers to Pass Actual Exam
1. According to AORN guidelines, fingernails should be kept clean, healthy, and
no longer than:
A. 0.25 inch
B. 0.5 inch
C. 1.0 inch
D. 0.75 inch
Answer: A
Explanation: AORN recommends that fingernails be short (less than 1/4 inch) to prevent
the growth of microorganisms and the risk of puncturing gloves.
2. When should surgical masks be discarded according to AORN standards?
A. After every surgical procedure
B. At the end of the shift
C. When they become moist
D. Both A and C
Answer: D
Explanation: Masks should be changed after every case and whenever they become wet or
soiled to maintain filtration efficiency.
,3. The height of a sterile field is established at:
A. The level of the surgeon’s waist
B. The level of the OR table
C. 12 inches above the floor
D. The level of the patient’s chest
Answer: B
Explanation: The sterile field is limited to the top of the sterile-draped table and should be
maintained at table level.
4. In the semi-restricted area of the surgical suite, which attire is required?
A. Street clothes and a mask
B. Scrubs and head cover
C. Scrubs, head cover, and mask
D. Scrubs only
Answer: B
Explanation: Semi-restricted areas require surgical scrubs and head covers, but masks are
generally only required in restricted areas like ORs.
5. Which member of the surgical team is responsible for performing the surgical
site marking?
A. The circulating nurse
B. The scrub technician
,C. The surgeon or a licensed practitioner performing the procedure
D. The anesthesia provider
Answer: C
Explanation: AORN and The Joint Commission require the person performing the
procedure to mark the site.
6. A ‘Time Out’ must occur:
A. Immediately before the patient enters the room
B. Before the patient is anesthetized
C. After the first count
D. Immediately before skin incision
Answer: D
Explanation: The Time Out is performed immediately before the incision or start of the
procedure to confirm patient, site, and procedure.
7. What is the recommended air exchange rate in an operating room per hour?
A. A minimum of 10 exchanges
B. A minimum of 15 exchanges
C. A minimum of 20 exchanges
D. A minimum of 25 exchanges
Answer: C
, Explanation: AORN and ASHRAE recommend at least 20 total air exchanges per hour to
reduce airborne contaminants.
8. Which of the following describes the ‘fire triangle’ in the OR?
A. Alcohol, Laser, and Oxygen
B. Fuel, Ignition source, and Oxidizer
C. Drapes, ESU, and Air
D. Gas, Heat, and Smoke
Answer: B
Explanation: The fire triangle consists of an ignition source (heat), a fuel source, and an
oxidizer (usually oxygen or nitrous oxide).
9. The relative humidity in the operating room should be maintained between:
A. 10% and 40%
B. 40% and 80%
C. 30% and 70%
D. 20% and 60%
Answer: D
Explanation: AORN recommends a humidity range of 20% to 60% to inhibit microbial
growth and prevent static electricity issues.
& Verified Answers to Pass Actual Exam
1. According to AORN guidelines, fingernails should be kept clean, healthy, and
no longer than:
A. 0.25 inch
B. 0.5 inch
C. 1.0 inch
D. 0.75 inch
Answer: A
Explanation: AORN recommends that fingernails be short (less than 1/4 inch) to prevent
the growth of microorganisms and the risk of puncturing gloves.
2. When should surgical masks be discarded according to AORN standards?
A. After every surgical procedure
B. At the end of the shift
C. When they become moist
D. Both A and C
Answer: D
Explanation: Masks should be changed after every case and whenever they become wet or
soiled to maintain filtration efficiency.
,3. The height of a sterile field is established at:
A. The level of the surgeon’s waist
B. The level of the OR table
C. 12 inches above the floor
D. The level of the patient’s chest
Answer: B
Explanation: The sterile field is limited to the top of the sterile-draped table and should be
maintained at table level.
4. In the semi-restricted area of the surgical suite, which attire is required?
A. Street clothes and a mask
B. Scrubs and head cover
C. Scrubs, head cover, and mask
D. Scrubs only
Answer: B
Explanation: Semi-restricted areas require surgical scrubs and head covers, but masks are
generally only required in restricted areas like ORs.
5. Which member of the surgical team is responsible for performing the surgical
site marking?
A. The circulating nurse
B. The scrub technician
,C. The surgeon or a licensed practitioner performing the procedure
D. The anesthesia provider
Answer: C
Explanation: AORN and The Joint Commission require the person performing the
procedure to mark the site.
6. A ‘Time Out’ must occur:
A. Immediately before the patient enters the room
B. Before the patient is anesthetized
C. After the first count
D. Immediately before skin incision
Answer: D
Explanation: The Time Out is performed immediately before the incision or start of the
procedure to confirm patient, site, and procedure.
7. What is the recommended air exchange rate in an operating room per hour?
A. A minimum of 10 exchanges
B. A minimum of 15 exchanges
C. A minimum of 20 exchanges
D. A minimum of 25 exchanges
Answer: C
, Explanation: AORN and ASHRAE recommend at least 20 total air exchanges per hour to
reduce airborne contaminants.
8. Which of the following describes the ‘fire triangle’ in the OR?
A. Alcohol, Laser, and Oxygen
B. Fuel, Ignition source, and Oxidizer
C. Drapes, ESU, and Air
D. Gas, Heat, and Smoke
Answer: B
Explanation: The fire triangle consists of an ignition source (heat), a fuel source, and an
oxidizer (usually oxygen or nitrous oxide).
9. The relative humidity in the operating room should be maintained between:
A. 10% and 40%
B. 40% and 80%
C. 30% and 70%
D. 20% and 60%
Answer: D
Explanation: AORN recommends a humidity range of 20% to 60% to inhibit microbial
growth and prevent static electricity issues.
