AORN PERIOP 101 FINAL EXAM PREP
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. JUST RELEASED
1. When preparing the sterile field, what is the recommended minimum distance an
unscrubbed person should maintain from the sterile field?
A. 6 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 12 inches
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: To prevent accidental contamination, unscrubbed personnel
should maintain a distance of at least 12 inches (1 foot) from the sterile field and scrubbed
team members.
2. Which of the following is the most definitive clinical sign of Malignant Hyperthermia (MH)
during the early stages?
A. Unexplained increase in end-tidal CO2
B. Masseter muscle rigidity
,C. Hyperthermia
D. Tachycardia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: While tachycardia is often the first sign, an unexplained,
significant rise in end-tidal carbon dioxide is the most specific and early indicator of an MH
crisis.
3. During a surgical procedure, the circulator notices a small hole in the sterile glove of the
scrub person. What is the most appropriate action?
A. The scrub person should change the glove immediately using the assisted-gloving
technique
B. The scrub person must immediately change the glove and the gown
C. The scrub person should change the glove immediately using the open-glove technique
D. Apply a second glove over the damaged one
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: According to AORN guidelines, when a glove is breached, it
should be changed promptly. The assisted-gloving technique is preferred over the open-
glove technique to minimize contamination risk.
4. According to AORN standards, which of the following is true regarding the ‘Time Out’?
A. It can be performed while the surgeon is scrubbing at the sink
, B. It must involve all members of the surgical team
C. It occurs after the incision is made to confirm the site
D. It must be initiated by the surgeon alone
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Time Out must be performed immediately before the start
of the procedure (pre-incision) with the active participation of the entire surgical team.
5. Which type of fire extinguisher is most appropriate for use on an electrical fire in the OR?
A. Class A (Water)
B. Class B (CO2)
C. Halon or CO2
D. Pressurized water
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Halon or CO2 extinguishers are used for electrical fires (Class C)
because they are non-conductive and do not leave a residue that damages sensitive
equipment.
6. What is the primary purpose of the surgical skin prep?
A. To sterilize the skin surface
B. To remove all resident and transient microbes
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. JUST RELEASED
1. When preparing the sterile field, what is the recommended minimum distance an
unscrubbed person should maintain from the sterile field?
A. 6 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 12 inches
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: To prevent accidental contamination, unscrubbed personnel
should maintain a distance of at least 12 inches (1 foot) from the sterile field and scrubbed
team members.
2. Which of the following is the most definitive clinical sign of Malignant Hyperthermia (MH)
during the early stages?
A. Unexplained increase in end-tidal CO2
B. Masseter muscle rigidity
,C. Hyperthermia
D. Tachycardia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: While tachycardia is often the first sign, an unexplained,
significant rise in end-tidal carbon dioxide is the most specific and early indicator of an MH
crisis.
3. During a surgical procedure, the circulator notices a small hole in the sterile glove of the
scrub person. What is the most appropriate action?
A. The scrub person should change the glove immediately using the assisted-gloving
technique
B. The scrub person must immediately change the glove and the gown
C. The scrub person should change the glove immediately using the open-glove technique
D. Apply a second glove over the damaged one
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: According to AORN guidelines, when a glove is breached, it
should be changed promptly. The assisted-gloving technique is preferred over the open-
glove technique to minimize contamination risk.
4. According to AORN standards, which of the following is true regarding the ‘Time Out’?
A. It can be performed while the surgeon is scrubbing at the sink
, B. It must involve all members of the surgical team
C. It occurs after the incision is made to confirm the site
D. It must be initiated by the surgeon alone
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Time Out must be performed immediately before the start
of the procedure (pre-incision) with the active participation of the entire surgical team.
5. Which type of fire extinguisher is most appropriate for use on an electrical fire in the OR?
A. Class A (Water)
B. Class B (CO2)
C. Halon or CO2
D. Pressurized water
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Halon or CO2 extinguishers are used for electrical fires (Class C)
because they are non-conductive and do not leave a residue that damages sensitive
equipment.
6. What is the primary purpose of the surgical skin prep?
A. To sterilize the skin surface
B. To remove all resident and transient microbes
