AORN PERIOP 101 FINAL EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS 2026/2027 UPDATE. JUST
RELEASED
1. Which components make up the surgical fire triangle?
A. Hydrogen, Ignition, Heat
B. Heat, Pressure, Fuel
C. Oxygen, Laser, Alcohol
D. Fuel, Source of Ignition, Oxidizer
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The fire triangle consists of an ignition source (e.g.,
electrosurgical unit, laser), a fuel source (e.g., surgical drapes, prep solutions), and an
oxidizer (e.g., oxygen, nitrous oxide).
2. In the supine position, which nerve is most at risk for injury if the arms are abducted more
than 90 degrees?
A. Radial nerve
B. Ulnar nerve
,C. Brachial plexus
D. Sciatic nerve
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Abducting the arms more than 90 degrees in the supine position
puts the brachial plexus at risk for stretch injury.
3. When is the first surgical count performed?
A. Before the procedure begins to establish a baseline
B. Immediately before the skin incision
C. When the patient enters the room
D. Only when sponges are opened
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The initial count should be performed before the procedure
begins to establish a baseline for all items that will be used.
4. Which of the following is the most frequent early sign of Malignant Hyperthermia?
A. Hyperpyrexia
B. Tachycardia
C. Masseter muscle rigidity
D. Unexplained increase in end-tidal CO2
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: An unexplained increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide is often the
first sign of an MH crisis, reflecting the hypermetabolic state.
5. What is the recommended temperature range for the operating room according to AORN
guidelines?
A. 60°F to 65°F
B. 65°F to 70°F
C. 72°F to 78°F
D. 68°F to 75°F
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: AORN recommends the OR temperature be maintained between
68°F and 75°F (20°C to 24°C) to inhibit bacterial growth and maintain patient
normothermia.
6. Which classification is assigned to a surgical wound where the respiratory tract is entered
under controlled conditions without unusual contamination?
A. Class I: Clean
B. Class III: Contaminated
C. Class II: Clean-Contaminated
D. Class IV: Dirty-Infected
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS 2026/2027 UPDATE. JUST
RELEASED
1. Which components make up the surgical fire triangle?
A. Hydrogen, Ignition, Heat
B. Heat, Pressure, Fuel
C. Oxygen, Laser, Alcohol
D. Fuel, Source of Ignition, Oxidizer
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The fire triangle consists of an ignition source (e.g.,
electrosurgical unit, laser), a fuel source (e.g., surgical drapes, prep solutions), and an
oxidizer (e.g., oxygen, nitrous oxide).
2. In the supine position, which nerve is most at risk for injury if the arms are abducted more
than 90 degrees?
A. Radial nerve
B. Ulnar nerve
,C. Brachial plexus
D. Sciatic nerve
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Abducting the arms more than 90 degrees in the supine position
puts the brachial plexus at risk for stretch injury.
3. When is the first surgical count performed?
A. Before the procedure begins to establish a baseline
B. Immediately before the skin incision
C. When the patient enters the room
D. Only when sponges are opened
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The initial count should be performed before the procedure
begins to establish a baseline for all items that will be used.
4. Which of the following is the most frequent early sign of Malignant Hyperthermia?
A. Hyperpyrexia
B. Tachycardia
C. Masseter muscle rigidity
D. Unexplained increase in end-tidal CO2
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: An unexplained increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide is often the
first sign of an MH crisis, reflecting the hypermetabolic state.
5. What is the recommended temperature range for the operating room according to AORN
guidelines?
A. 60°F to 65°F
B. 65°F to 70°F
C. 72°F to 78°F
D. 68°F to 75°F
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: AORN recommends the OR temperature be maintained between
68°F and 75°F (20°C to 24°C) to inhibit bacterial growth and maintain patient
normothermia.
6. Which classification is assigned to a surgical wound where the respiratory tract is entered
under controlled conditions without unusual contamination?
A. Class I: Clean
B. Class III: Contaminated
C. Class II: Clean-Contaminated
D. Class IV: Dirty-Infected