AORN Periop 101 Final Exam Actual
2026/2027 – Complete Questions with
Detailed Rationales | 100% Verified
Correct Answers – Pass Guaranteed –
A+ Graded INSTANT DOWNLOAD
Section 1: Aseptic Technique & Sterile Field
Management
Question 1: When applying the concept of surgical conscience, which
statements should be considered? (Select all that apply)
A) It involves mental discipline and the ability to speak out
B) It is essential to the delivery of optimal care and prevent harm
C) It allows for occasional compromise in aseptic technique when time is
short
D) Surgical conscience allows for no compromise in the principles of aseptic
technique
Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Surgical conscience is the ethical and professional commitment
to maintaining aseptic technique at all times. It involves mental discipline,
speaking out when a breach occurs, and never compromising principles—
even when no one is watching. Allowing compromises in aseptic technique,
regardless of time constraints, violates surgical conscience and places
patients at risk for surgical site infections .
,Question 2: Which of the following procedures reflects best practice for
draping the surgical field?
A) Drape from unsterile to sterile field
B) Drape from operative site outward
C) If the drape is placed incorrectly, it can be moved and repositioned
D) If draping without assistance, reach across the patient to drape the other
side
Answer: B
Rationale: Draping should proceed from sterile to unsterile, from the
operative site outward, and drapes should be cuffed over a gloved hand.
Incorrectly placed drapes should not be repositioned, and reaching across
the patient is discouraged as it risks contamination .
Question 3: Sterile gowns should resist fluid strike-through. This statement
is:
A) True
B) False
C) Only required for major surgeries
D) Optional based on preference
Answer: A
Rationale: Sterile gowns must be fluid-resistant (not merely fluid-repellent)
to prevent strike-through of blood and other fluids. This is a critical
infection prevention measure .
,Question 4: Which of the following is true about using high-level
disinfected (HLD) instruments?
A) It can be used in any surgical procedure
B) It can only be used if the mucosa is not breached
C) It cannot be used for spinal surgery, but is fine for a laparotomy
D) It requires a biological indicator before use
Answer: B
Rationale: High-level disinfection eliminates all microorganisms except
bacterial endospores. HLD items are classified as "semi-critical" and should
only come into contact with intact mucous membranes (e.g., endoscopes).
They must not be used for critical areas (sterile tissue/bone) like a
laparotomy or spinal surgery .
Section 2: Surgical Counts & Safety Protocols
Question 5: The surgeon decides to extend the incision (mini-laparotomy)
during a laparoscopic procedure. What must the circulating nurse do
regarding the surgical count?
A) No count is needed because it is a laparoscopic procedure
B) Perform a count only if the surgeon requests it
C) A new count must be performed when the incision is extended
D) Only sponges need to be counted
Answer: C
Rationale: When a laparoscopic procedure is converted to an open
procedure, a new surgical count must be performed because additional
sponges, instruments, and sharps may now be used. The count must be
performed at the established count times .
, Question 6: When counting surgical items, in what order should the
perioperative nurse and scrub person conduct the count?
A) Off the sterile field, on the sterile field, on the back table
B) On the sterile field, on the back table, off the sterile field (kick bucket)
C) On the back table, off the sterile field, on the sterile field
D) Randomly, as long as all items are accounted for before closure
Answer: B
Rationale: Standardized counts always begin at the immediate surgical
incision site (sterile field), move out to the items on the instrument Mayo
stand and back table, and finish with discarded items off the sterile field.
This systematic approach ensures accuracy .
Question 7: If a needle count is incorrect at the final closure of a
subcutaneous layer, what is the initial action the team must take?
A) Immediately order a portable X-ray of the patient's abdomen
B) Recount the items, search the wound, and look around the room
C) Document that the needle was lost and proceed with skin closure
D) Inform the nursing supervisor to file an institutional deviation report
Answer: B
Rationale: Before calling for an intraoperative X-ray or halting surgery
permanently, the immediate next step is to recount the pack, search the
immediate surgical field, look inside the kick buckets, and check under the
drapes to locate the missing item physically .
2026/2027 – Complete Questions with
Detailed Rationales | 100% Verified
Correct Answers – Pass Guaranteed –
A+ Graded INSTANT DOWNLOAD
Section 1: Aseptic Technique & Sterile Field
Management
Question 1: When applying the concept of surgical conscience, which
statements should be considered? (Select all that apply)
A) It involves mental discipline and the ability to speak out
B) It is essential to the delivery of optimal care and prevent harm
C) It allows for occasional compromise in aseptic technique when time is
short
D) Surgical conscience allows for no compromise in the principles of aseptic
technique
Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Surgical conscience is the ethical and professional commitment
to maintaining aseptic technique at all times. It involves mental discipline,
speaking out when a breach occurs, and never compromising principles—
even when no one is watching. Allowing compromises in aseptic technique,
regardless of time constraints, violates surgical conscience and places
patients at risk for surgical site infections .
,Question 2: Which of the following procedures reflects best practice for
draping the surgical field?
A) Drape from unsterile to sterile field
B) Drape from operative site outward
C) If the drape is placed incorrectly, it can be moved and repositioned
D) If draping without assistance, reach across the patient to drape the other
side
Answer: B
Rationale: Draping should proceed from sterile to unsterile, from the
operative site outward, and drapes should be cuffed over a gloved hand.
Incorrectly placed drapes should not be repositioned, and reaching across
the patient is discouraged as it risks contamination .
Question 3: Sterile gowns should resist fluid strike-through. This statement
is:
A) True
B) False
C) Only required for major surgeries
D) Optional based on preference
Answer: A
Rationale: Sterile gowns must be fluid-resistant (not merely fluid-repellent)
to prevent strike-through of blood and other fluids. This is a critical
infection prevention measure .
,Question 4: Which of the following is true about using high-level
disinfected (HLD) instruments?
A) It can be used in any surgical procedure
B) It can only be used if the mucosa is not breached
C) It cannot be used for spinal surgery, but is fine for a laparotomy
D) It requires a biological indicator before use
Answer: B
Rationale: High-level disinfection eliminates all microorganisms except
bacterial endospores. HLD items are classified as "semi-critical" and should
only come into contact with intact mucous membranes (e.g., endoscopes).
They must not be used for critical areas (sterile tissue/bone) like a
laparotomy or spinal surgery .
Section 2: Surgical Counts & Safety Protocols
Question 5: The surgeon decides to extend the incision (mini-laparotomy)
during a laparoscopic procedure. What must the circulating nurse do
regarding the surgical count?
A) No count is needed because it is a laparoscopic procedure
B) Perform a count only if the surgeon requests it
C) A new count must be performed when the incision is extended
D) Only sponges need to be counted
Answer: C
Rationale: When a laparoscopic procedure is converted to an open
procedure, a new surgical count must be performed because additional
sponges, instruments, and sharps may now be used. The count must be
performed at the established count times .
, Question 6: When counting surgical items, in what order should the
perioperative nurse and scrub person conduct the count?
A) Off the sterile field, on the sterile field, on the back table
B) On the sterile field, on the back table, off the sterile field (kick bucket)
C) On the back table, off the sterile field, on the sterile field
D) Randomly, as long as all items are accounted for before closure
Answer: B
Rationale: Standardized counts always begin at the immediate surgical
incision site (sterile field), move out to the items on the instrument Mayo
stand and back table, and finish with discarded items off the sterile field.
This systematic approach ensures accuracy .
Question 7: If a needle count is incorrect at the final closure of a
subcutaneous layer, what is the initial action the team must take?
A) Immediately order a portable X-ray of the patient's abdomen
B) Recount the items, search the wound, and look around the room
C) Document that the needle was lost and proceed with skin closure
D) Inform the nursing supervisor to file an institutional deviation report
Answer: B
Rationale: Before calling for an intraoperative X-ray or halting surgery
permanently, the immediate next step is to recount the pack, search the
immediate surgical field, look inside the kick buckets, and check under the
drapes to locate the missing item physically .
