NURSING LICENSURE
AORN Periop 101 Final Exam Study Guide with 400+ Questions and
Revised Correct Answers (2026/2027) 100% Guarantee Pass
A+
Complete Blueprint Coverage
A+ 8 100%
QUESTIONS VERIFIED CORE DOMAINS COVERED RATIONALES INCLUDED
CATEGORIES
1. Assessment and Patient Safety
2. Anesthesia and Postanesthesia Care
3. Sterile Technique and Infection Prevention
4. Surgical Hand Antisepsis, Attire, and Draping
5. Positioning and Skin Antisepsis
6. Surgical Instruments, Counts, Specimens, and Wound Closure
7. Medications, Solutions, Hemostasis, and Safe Use of Equipment
8. Professionalism, Education, Information Management, and Organizational Influences
STUVIAACTUALEXAM
, 1. Assessment and Patient Safety
Q1
A 68-year-old patient arrives for elective total knee arthroplasty. During the preoperative interview the circulating nurse
notes the patient takes prescribed anticoagulants and reports occasional dizziness. The nurse prioritizes which
assessment action to support safe intraoperative care?
A. Reviewing the most recent coagulation laboratory values and confirming the last dose timing with the patient
B. Documenting the dizziness as a baseline finding without further inquiry
C. Deferring medication review until the patient is in the operating room
D. Focusing solely on the surgical site marking process
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Coagulation status and timing of anticoagulant doses directly influence bleeding risk and the anesthesia plan. Baseline
dizziness may indicate volume or neurologic issues requiring clarification before induction.
Q2
While verifying the consent form for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the circulating nurse discovers the procedure listed
does not match the scheduled case or the surgeon's verbal confirmation. The next immediate action is to:
A. Notify the surgeon and hold the start of the case until the discrepancy is resolved and a corrected consent is
obtained
B. Proceed after the patient verbally confirms the intended procedure
C. Correct the consent form personally and have the patient initial the change
D. Document the mismatch and continue with the time-out process
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Consent discrepancies must be resolved before the patient enters the operating room. Only the surgeon can clarify and
correct the consent with the patient.
Q3
A patient scheduled for spinal fusion reports a history of latex allergy that caused anaphylaxis five years earlier. The
preoperative nurse ensures which protective measure is implemented before the patient enters the OR?
A. Scheduling the case as the first of the day and removing all latex-containing products from the room
B. Placing a latex-free kit on the back table but allowing standard gloves for the circulating nurse
C. Notifying only the anesthesia provider of the allergy
D. Documenting the allergy and proceeding with routine supplies
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients with prior latex anaphylaxis require a latex-safe environment, preferably first-case scheduling to minimize
aerosolized latex exposure.
Q4
During the focused preoperative assessment of an older adult scheduled for hernia repair, the nurse identifies limited
mobility, recent unexplained weight loss, and a history of falls. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate to guide
intraoperative planning?
A. Risk for perioperative positioning injury related to limited mobility and frailty
B. Deficient knowledge related to the surgical procedure
C. Anxiety related to hospitalization
D. Risk for imbalanced nutrition related to weight loss
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Limited mobility and frailty directly increase the risk of pressure injuries, nerve damage, and joint strain during positioning.
, 1. Assessment and Patient Safety
Q5
The circulating nurse is preparing for a patient with a known difficult airway. Which piece of information obtained during
the preoperative assessment is most critical to communicate to the anesthesia provider before induction?
A. The patient's Mallampati score and history of previous intubation difficulty
B. The patient's preferred postoperative pain medication
C. The family's contact information
D. The patient's religious preference regarding blood products
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Airway assessment findings allow the anesthesia team to prepare specialized equipment and techniques.
Q6
A patient who speaks limited English is scheduled for urgent appendectomy. The circulating nurse ensures informed
consent is obtained by:
A. Using a qualified medical interpreter to explain the procedure, risks, and alternatives in the patient's preferred
language
B. Relying on a bilingual family member to translate the consent form
C. Having the patient sign the English form after a brief explanation by the surgeon
D. Proceeding with the case under emergency exception without documentation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Qualified medical interpreters are required for informed consent discussions when language barriers exist.
Q7
While reviewing the patient's history, the nurse notes the patient takes high-dose corticosteroids for rheumatoid arthritis.
Which potential intraoperative concern should be anticipated?
A. Increased risk of delayed wound healing and possible adrenal insufficiency requiring stress-dose steroids
B. Decreased bleeding tendency due to anti-inflammatory effects
C. Reduced need for prophylactic antibiotics
D. Lower risk of postoperative infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chronic corticosteroid use suppresses the HPA axis and impairs healing. Stress-dose coverage may be required.
Q8
The Universal Protocol is initiated in the preoperative holding area. Which element must be completed before the patient
is transferred to the operating room?
A. Verification of the correct patient, procedure, and site with the patient and the consent form
B. Counting of all sponges and instruments
C. Application of the electrosurgical grounding pad
D. Administration of the first dose of prophylactic antibiotic
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The pre-procedure verification process occurs before the patient leaves the preoperative area.
, 1. Assessment and Patient Safety
Q9
A patient with a body mass index of 42 kg/m2 is scheduled for open abdominal surgery. The circulating nurse anticipates
which additional safety consideration during transfer and positioning?
A. Use of specialized transfer devices and extra personnel to prevent staff injury and patient skin shear
B. Standard two-person transfer technique is sufficient
C. Positioning aids are unnecessary because adipose tissue provides natural padding
D. The patient should walk into the OR to reduce transfer risk
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients with obesity require mechanical transfer aids and adequate staffing to protect both the patient and the care team.
Q10
During the preoperative interview a patient discloses recreational cannabis use the evening before surgery. The nurse
recognizes this information is important because cannabis can:
A. Interact with anesthetic agents and alter cardiovascular and respiratory responses
B. Have no effect on anesthesia if used only the night before
C. Eliminate the need for preoperative fasting
D. Reduce the risk of postoperative nausea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cannabis can potentiate sedative effects, affect airway reactivity, and alter hemodynamic stability.
Q11
The circulating nurse is reviewing the patient's allergy list and notes an allergy to sulfa. The patient is scheduled for a
procedure that typically uses a sulfonamide-containing topical agent. The nurse's priority action is to:
A. Confirm the nature of the reaction and communicate the finding to the surgeon and anesthesia provider before the
case begins
B. Assume the allergy is only to oral sulfonamides and proceed
C. Substitute a different agent without notifying the team
D. Document the allergy after the procedure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Allergy verification and team communication prevent inadvertent exposure.
Q12
A patient scheduled for bilateral inguinal hernia repair has the site marked on only one side. The circulating nurse's
correct response is to:
A. Return the patient to the preoperative area so the surgeon can mark both sites according to the planned procedure
B. Mark the unmarked side herself using the consent form as a guide
C. Proceed because the time-out will clarify laterality
D. Document the unilateral marking and continue
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Site marking must be performed by the surgeon or authorized provider for every intended site.
AORN Periop 101 Final Exam Study Guide with 400+ Questions and
Revised Correct Answers (2026/2027) 100% Guarantee Pass
A+
Complete Blueprint Coverage
A+ 8 100%
QUESTIONS VERIFIED CORE DOMAINS COVERED RATIONALES INCLUDED
CATEGORIES
1. Assessment and Patient Safety
2. Anesthesia and Postanesthesia Care
3. Sterile Technique and Infection Prevention
4. Surgical Hand Antisepsis, Attire, and Draping
5. Positioning and Skin Antisepsis
6. Surgical Instruments, Counts, Specimens, and Wound Closure
7. Medications, Solutions, Hemostasis, and Safe Use of Equipment
8. Professionalism, Education, Information Management, and Organizational Influences
STUVIAACTUALEXAM
, 1. Assessment and Patient Safety
Q1
A 68-year-old patient arrives for elective total knee arthroplasty. During the preoperative interview the circulating nurse
notes the patient takes prescribed anticoagulants and reports occasional dizziness. The nurse prioritizes which
assessment action to support safe intraoperative care?
A. Reviewing the most recent coagulation laboratory values and confirming the last dose timing with the patient
B. Documenting the dizziness as a baseline finding without further inquiry
C. Deferring medication review until the patient is in the operating room
D. Focusing solely on the surgical site marking process
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Coagulation status and timing of anticoagulant doses directly influence bleeding risk and the anesthesia plan. Baseline
dizziness may indicate volume or neurologic issues requiring clarification before induction.
Q2
While verifying the consent form for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the circulating nurse discovers the procedure listed
does not match the scheduled case or the surgeon's verbal confirmation. The next immediate action is to:
A. Notify the surgeon and hold the start of the case until the discrepancy is resolved and a corrected consent is
obtained
B. Proceed after the patient verbally confirms the intended procedure
C. Correct the consent form personally and have the patient initial the change
D. Document the mismatch and continue with the time-out process
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Consent discrepancies must be resolved before the patient enters the operating room. Only the surgeon can clarify and
correct the consent with the patient.
Q3
A patient scheduled for spinal fusion reports a history of latex allergy that caused anaphylaxis five years earlier. The
preoperative nurse ensures which protective measure is implemented before the patient enters the OR?
A. Scheduling the case as the first of the day and removing all latex-containing products from the room
B. Placing a latex-free kit on the back table but allowing standard gloves for the circulating nurse
C. Notifying only the anesthesia provider of the allergy
D. Documenting the allergy and proceeding with routine supplies
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients with prior latex anaphylaxis require a latex-safe environment, preferably first-case scheduling to minimize
aerosolized latex exposure.
Q4
During the focused preoperative assessment of an older adult scheduled for hernia repair, the nurse identifies limited
mobility, recent unexplained weight loss, and a history of falls. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate to guide
intraoperative planning?
A. Risk for perioperative positioning injury related to limited mobility and frailty
B. Deficient knowledge related to the surgical procedure
C. Anxiety related to hospitalization
D. Risk for imbalanced nutrition related to weight loss
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Limited mobility and frailty directly increase the risk of pressure injuries, nerve damage, and joint strain during positioning.
, 1. Assessment and Patient Safety
Q5
The circulating nurse is preparing for a patient with a known difficult airway. Which piece of information obtained during
the preoperative assessment is most critical to communicate to the anesthesia provider before induction?
A. The patient's Mallampati score and history of previous intubation difficulty
B. The patient's preferred postoperative pain medication
C. The family's contact information
D. The patient's religious preference regarding blood products
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Airway assessment findings allow the anesthesia team to prepare specialized equipment and techniques.
Q6
A patient who speaks limited English is scheduled for urgent appendectomy. The circulating nurse ensures informed
consent is obtained by:
A. Using a qualified medical interpreter to explain the procedure, risks, and alternatives in the patient's preferred
language
B. Relying on a bilingual family member to translate the consent form
C. Having the patient sign the English form after a brief explanation by the surgeon
D. Proceeding with the case under emergency exception without documentation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Qualified medical interpreters are required for informed consent discussions when language barriers exist.
Q7
While reviewing the patient's history, the nurse notes the patient takes high-dose corticosteroids for rheumatoid arthritis.
Which potential intraoperative concern should be anticipated?
A. Increased risk of delayed wound healing and possible adrenal insufficiency requiring stress-dose steroids
B. Decreased bleeding tendency due to anti-inflammatory effects
C. Reduced need for prophylactic antibiotics
D. Lower risk of postoperative infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chronic corticosteroid use suppresses the HPA axis and impairs healing. Stress-dose coverage may be required.
Q8
The Universal Protocol is initiated in the preoperative holding area. Which element must be completed before the patient
is transferred to the operating room?
A. Verification of the correct patient, procedure, and site with the patient and the consent form
B. Counting of all sponges and instruments
C. Application of the electrosurgical grounding pad
D. Administration of the first dose of prophylactic antibiotic
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The pre-procedure verification process occurs before the patient leaves the preoperative area.
, 1. Assessment and Patient Safety
Q9
A patient with a body mass index of 42 kg/m2 is scheduled for open abdominal surgery. The circulating nurse anticipates
which additional safety consideration during transfer and positioning?
A. Use of specialized transfer devices and extra personnel to prevent staff injury and patient skin shear
B. Standard two-person transfer technique is sufficient
C. Positioning aids are unnecessary because adipose tissue provides natural padding
D. The patient should walk into the OR to reduce transfer risk
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients with obesity require mechanical transfer aids and adequate staffing to protect both the patient and the care team.
Q10
During the preoperative interview a patient discloses recreational cannabis use the evening before surgery. The nurse
recognizes this information is important because cannabis can:
A. Interact with anesthetic agents and alter cardiovascular and respiratory responses
B. Have no effect on anesthesia if used only the night before
C. Eliminate the need for preoperative fasting
D. Reduce the risk of postoperative nausea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cannabis can potentiate sedative effects, affect airway reactivity, and alter hemodynamic stability.
Q11
The circulating nurse is reviewing the patient's allergy list and notes an allergy to sulfa. The patient is scheduled for a
procedure that typically uses a sulfonamide-containing topical agent. The nurse's priority action is to:
A. Confirm the nature of the reaction and communicate the finding to the surgeon and anesthesia provider before the
case begins
B. Assume the allergy is only to oral sulfonamides and proceed
C. Substitute a different agent without notifying the team
D. Document the allergy after the procedure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Allergy verification and team communication prevent inadvertent exposure.
Q12
A patient scheduled for bilateral inguinal hernia repair has the site marked on only one side. The circulating nurse's
correct response is to:
A. Return the patient to the preoperative area so the surgeon can mark both sites according to the planned procedure
B. Mark the unmarked side herself using the consent form as a guide
C. Proceed because the time-out will clarify laterality
D. Document the unilateral marking and continue
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Site marking must be performed by the surgeon or authorized provider for every intended site.
