AORN PERIOP 101 ADVANCED EXAM
PREP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. JUST RELEASED
1. When preparing the sterile field, what is the most appropriate action to take if a sterile
item’s wrapper is found to be wet?
A. Dry the wrapper with a sterile towel and use the item.
B. Open the item carefully without touching the wet area.
C. Consider the item contaminated and discard or replace it.
D. Use the item if the moisture is on the outside only.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Strike-through occurs when moisture permeates a wrapper,
allowing microorganisms to contaminate the sterile item. Any wet wrapper must be
considered contaminated.
2. According to AORN guidelines, when should a ‘time-out’ be performed?
A. Immediately before starting the procedure.
B. After the surgical site is prepped and draped.
C. Immediately after the patient enters the OR.
,D. Before the patient is anesthetized.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The time-out is the final assessment to ensure the correct
patient, site, and procedure are identified immediately before the incision is made.
3. Which of the following is the most effective method for preventing surgical site infections
(SSIs) related to the patient’s skin?
A. Shaving the surgical site the night before surgery.
B. Using a razor to remove hair at the site immediately before surgery.
C. Applying a strong adhesive drape over the site.
D. Clipping hair only if necessary at the surgical site.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Razors cause micro-abrasions that increase the risk of SSIs. Hair
should only be removed if it interferes with the procedure, using clippers or depilatories.
4. During a monopolar electrosurgery procedure, the dispersive electrode (bovie pad) should
be placed:
A. On a bony prominence near the surgical site.
B. Over a tattooed area for better conduction.
C. As far away from the surgical site as possible.
D. Over a well-vascularized large muscle mass.
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dispersive electrodes should be placed over large, well-
vascularized muscle masses to provide low impedance and prevent thermal injury. Bony
prominences and tattoos should be avoided.
5. Which of the following actions is required when a counting error occurs?
A. Ignore it if the surgeon says they didn’t leave anything behind.
B. Wait until the patient is in PACU to check for retained items.
C. Document the discrepancy and continue the procedure.
D. Notify the surgeon and perform a recount; if still incorrect, call for an X-ray.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: If a count is incorrect, the surgeon must be notified, a recount
performed, the room searched, and an X-ray obtained if the item is not found.
6. What is the recommended temperature range for an operating room according to AORN
standards?
A. 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C)
B. 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C)
C. 68°F to 75°F (20°C to 24°C)
D. 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 15°C)
Answer: C
PREP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. JUST RELEASED
1. When preparing the sterile field, what is the most appropriate action to take if a sterile
item’s wrapper is found to be wet?
A. Dry the wrapper with a sterile towel and use the item.
B. Open the item carefully without touching the wet area.
C. Consider the item contaminated and discard or replace it.
D. Use the item if the moisture is on the outside only.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Strike-through occurs when moisture permeates a wrapper,
allowing microorganisms to contaminate the sterile item. Any wet wrapper must be
considered contaminated.
2. According to AORN guidelines, when should a ‘time-out’ be performed?
A. Immediately before starting the procedure.
B. After the surgical site is prepped and draped.
C. Immediately after the patient enters the OR.
,D. Before the patient is anesthetized.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The time-out is the final assessment to ensure the correct
patient, site, and procedure are identified immediately before the incision is made.
3. Which of the following is the most effective method for preventing surgical site infections
(SSIs) related to the patient’s skin?
A. Shaving the surgical site the night before surgery.
B. Using a razor to remove hair at the site immediately before surgery.
C. Applying a strong adhesive drape over the site.
D. Clipping hair only if necessary at the surgical site.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Razors cause micro-abrasions that increase the risk of SSIs. Hair
should only be removed if it interferes with the procedure, using clippers or depilatories.
4. During a monopolar electrosurgery procedure, the dispersive electrode (bovie pad) should
be placed:
A. On a bony prominence near the surgical site.
B. Over a tattooed area for better conduction.
C. As far away from the surgical site as possible.
D. Over a well-vascularized large muscle mass.
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dispersive electrodes should be placed over large, well-
vascularized muscle masses to provide low impedance and prevent thermal injury. Bony
prominences and tattoos should be avoided.
5. Which of the following actions is required when a counting error occurs?
A. Ignore it if the surgeon says they didn’t leave anything behind.
B. Wait until the patient is in PACU to check for retained items.
C. Document the discrepancy and continue the procedure.
D. Notify the surgeon and perform a recount; if still incorrect, call for an X-ray.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: If a count is incorrect, the surgeon must be notified, a recount
performed, the room searched, and an X-ray obtained if the item is not found.
6. What is the recommended temperature range for an operating room according to AORN
standards?
A. 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C)
B. 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C)
C. 68°F to 75°F (20°C to 24°C)
D. 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 15°C)
Answer: C
