AORN PERIOP 101 COMPREHENSIVE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. JUST RELEASED
1. Which of the following areas is designated as a restricted zone within the surgical suite?
A. The registration area
B. The semi-restricted corridor
C. The sterile processing decontamination area
D. The operating room during a procedure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Restricted zones include the operating rooms and sterile core
where surgical attire and hair coverings are required, and masks are mandatory when
sterile supplies are open.
2. According to the Spaulding classification system, a colonoscope is considered which type of
item?
A. Critical
B. Non-critical
C. Semi-critical
,D. Environmental
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Semi-critical items come into contact with mucous membranes
or non-intact skin and require high-level disinfection at minimum.
3. What is the first step the perioperative nurse should take when a count discrepancy
occurs?
A. Check the trash and linen bags
B. Order a portable X-ray immediately
C. Notify the surgeon and the team
D. Document the incident in the patient record
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The immediate action is to notify the surgeon and the team to
stop the closure if possible and begin a systematic search.
4. In the Event-Related Sterility concept, the shelf life of a sterile package is determined by:
A. The specific expiration date printed on the pack
B. A standard 30-day limit for all items
C. The quality of the packaging material and storage conditions
D. The type of sterilization method used
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Event-related sterility depends on the integrity of the wrapper,
handling, and environmental conditions rather than a chronological date.
5. Which medication is the primary treatment for an acute episode of Malignant
Hyperthermia?
A. Succinylcholine
B. Epinephrine
C. Dantrolene
D. Atropine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Dantrolene sodium is the only specific pharmacological
treatment for Malignant Hyperthermia as it interferes with calcium release in muscle cells.
6. When placing a dispersive electrode for the electrosurgical unit (ESU), which site is most
appropriate?
A. Over a well-muscled area near the surgical site
B. Over a bony prominence
C. On the patient’s tattoo
D. Near a metal prosthesis
Answer: A
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. JUST RELEASED
1. Which of the following areas is designated as a restricted zone within the surgical suite?
A. The registration area
B. The semi-restricted corridor
C. The sterile processing decontamination area
D. The operating room during a procedure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Restricted zones include the operating rooms and sterile core
where surgical attire and hair coverings are required, and masks are mandatory when
sterile supplies are open.
2. According to the Spaulding classification system, a colonoscope is considered which type of
item?
A. Critical
B. Non-critical
C. Semi-critical
,D. Environmental
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Semi-critical items come into contact with mucous membranes
or non-intact skin and require high-level disinfection at minimum.
3. What is the first step the perioperative nurse should take when a count discrepancy
occurs?
A. Check the trash and linen bags
B. Order a portable X-ray immediately
C. Notify the surgeon and the team
D. Document the incident in the patient record
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The immediate action is to notify the surgeon and the team to
stop the closure if possible and begin a systematic search.
4. In the Event-Related Sterility concept, the shelf life of a sterile package is determined by:
A. The specific expiration date printed on the pack
B. A standard 30-day limit for all items
C. The quality of the packaging material and storage conditions
D. The type of sterilization method used
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Event-related sterility depends on the integrity of the wrapper,
handling, and environmental conditions rather than a chronological date.
5. Which medication is the primary treatment for an acute episode of Malignant
Hyperthermia?
A. Succinylcholine
B. Epinephrine
C. Dantrolene
D. Atropine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Dantrolene sodium is the only specific pharmacological
treatment for Malignant Hyperthermia as it interferes with calcium release in muscle cells.
6. When placing a dispersive electrode for the electrosurgical unit (ESU), which site is most
appropriate?
A. Over a well-muscled area near the surgical site
B. Over a bony prominence
C. On the patient’s tattoo
D. Near a metal prosthesis
Answer: A
