AORN PERIOP 101 MASTERY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. JUST RELEASED
1. When preparing the sterile field, how far from the edge of the sterile drape is the boundary
between sterile and unsterile?
A. 1 inch
B. 2 inches
C. 3 inches
D. The edge itself is sterile
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: According to AORN guidelines, the edges of a sterile drape
(typically 1 inch) are considered unsterile because they are handled during placement and
are in contact with unsterile surfaces.
2. Which of the following is considered the most sensitive early indicator of Malignant
Hyperthermia (MH)?
A. Rapid rise in body temperature
B. Unexplained increase in end-tidal CO2
,C. Generalized muscle rigidity
D. Cyanosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: An unexplained increase in end-tidal CO2 is often the first sign of
an MH crisis, preceding clinical signs like tachycardia or fever.
3. When using a pneumatic tourniquet, what is the maximum recommended time for
inflation before a ‘tourniquet holiday’ is required for an adult lower extremity?
A. 60 minutes
B. 90 minutes
C. 120 minutes
D. 180 minutes
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: For adult lower extremities, the tourniquet should not exceed
120 minutes without deflation to prevent nerve damage and ischemia.
4. In which surgical zone is a surgical mask required at all times?
A. Unrestricted area
B. Restricted area
C. Semi-restricted area
, D. Transition zone
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The restricted area (OR rooms, scrub sinks) requires full
surgical attire, including a mask, to protect the sterile environment.
5. When performing a surgical skin prep with a flammable alcohol-based solution, what is the
most critical safety step?
A. Blotting the excess liquid with a dry towel
B. Applying the solution in a circular motion
C. Allowing the solution to dry completely for at least 3 minutes
D. Using a warming device to speed up evaporation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Alcohol-based preps must dry completely (usually 3 minutes) to
prevent surgical fires caused by pooled vapors ignited by electrosurgical units.
6. According to the Spaulding Classification, a surgical instrument that enters sterile tissue is
classified as:
A. Non-critical
B. Critical
C. Semi-critical
D. Intermediate-critical
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. JUST RELEASED
1. When preparing the sterile field, how far from the edge of the sterile drape is the boundary
between sterile and unsterile?
A. 1 inch
B. 2 inches
C. 3 inches
D. The edge itself is sterile
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: According to AORN guidelines, the edges of a sterile drape
(typically 1 inch) are considered unsterile because they are handled during placement and
are in contact with unsterile surfaces.
2. Which of the following is considered the most sensitive early indicator of Malignant
Hyperthermia (MH)?
A. Rapid rise in body temperature
B. Unexplained increase in end-tidal CO2
,C. Generalized muscle rigidity
D. Cyanosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: An unexplained increase in end-tidal CO2 is often the first sign of
an MH crisis, preceding clinical signs like tachycardia or fever.
3. When using a pneumatic tourniquet, what is the maximum recommended time for
inflation before a ‘tourniquet holiday’ is required for an adult lower extremity?
A. 60 minutes
B. 90 minutes
C. 120 minutes
D. 180 minutes
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: For adult lower extremities, the tourniquet should not exceed
120 minutes without deflation to prevent nerve damage and ischemia.
4. In which surgical zone is a surgical mask required at all times?
A. Unrestricted area
B. Restricted area
C. Semi-restricted area
, D. Transition zone
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The restricted area (OR rooms, scrub sinks) requires full
surgical attire, including a mask, to protect the sterile environment.
5. When performing a surgical skin prep with a flammable alcohol-based solution, what is the
most critical safety step?
A. Blotting the excess liquid with a dry towel
B. Applying the solution in a circular motion
C. Allowing the solution to dry completely for at least 3 minutes
D. Using a warming device to speed up evaporation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Alcohol-based preps must dry completely (usually 3 minutes) to
prevent surgical fires caused by pooled vapors ignited by electrosurgical units.
6. According to the Spaulding Classification, a surgical instrument that enters sterile tissue is
classified as:
A. Non-critical
B. Critical
C. Semi-critical
D. Intermediate-critical
