AORN PERIOP 101 EXAM STUDY GUIDE
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. JUST RELEASED
1. What is the recommended range for relative humidity in the operating room (OR)
according to AORN guidelines?
A. 10% to 50%
B. 40% to 80%
C. 30% to 70%
D. 20% to 60%
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: AORN recommends maintaining relative humidity between 20%
and 60% to inhibit microbial growth and reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge.
2. According to AORN standards, how many total air exchanges per hour are required in the
operating room?
A. 15 exchanges
B. 10 exchanges
C. 25 exchanges
,D. 20 exchanges
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The HVAC system should provide a minimum of 20 total air
exchanges per hour, with at least 4 being outdoor air exchanges, to maintain air quality and
reduce bioburden.
3. During the surgical count, if a discrepancy occurs, what is the first action the perioperative
nurse should take?
A. Call for an X-ray
B. Complete an incident report
C. Recount once more
D. Notify the surgeon immediately
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The first step in resolving a count discrepancy is to immediately
notify the surgeon and the surgical team so they can stop and search for the missing item.
4. Which of the following is a symptom of Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) that usually appears
first?
A. Hyperthermia
B. Generalized muscle rigidity
C. Increased end-tidal CO2
, D. Tachycardia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: An unexplained increase in end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) is often the
first and most sensitive indicator of a Malignant Hyperthermia crisis.
5. When preparing the skin for surgery using an alcohol-based prep, what is the minimum
required dry time to prevent fire?
A. 1 minute
B. 2 minutes
C. 3 minutes
D. 5 minutes
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: AORN guidelines state that alcohol-based preps must dry for a
minimum of 3 minutes (or longer if hair is present) to ensure all vapors have dissipated
before draping or using heat sources.
6. Where should the dispersive electrode (grounding pad) for the electrosurgical unit (ESU) be
placed?
A. On a bony prominence
B. On the patient’s distal extremity with hair
C. Near a metallic implant
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. JUST RELEASED
1. What is the recommended range for relative humidity in the operating room (OR)
according to AORN guidelines?
A. 10% to 50%
B. 40% to 80%
C. 30% to 70%
D. 20% to 60%
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: AORN recommends maintaining relative humidity between 20%
and 60% to inhibit microbial growth and reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge.
2. According to AORN standards, how many total air exchanges per hour are required in the
operating room?
A. 15 exchanges
B. 10 exchanges
C. 25 exchanges
,D. 20 exchanges
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The HVAC system should provide a minimum of 20 total air
exchanges per hour, with at least 4 being outdoor air exchanges, to maintain air quality and
reduce bioburden.
3. During the surgical count, if a discrepancy occurs, what is the first action the perioperative
nurse should take?
A. Call for an X-ray
B. Complete an incident report
C. Recount once more
D. Notify the surgeon immediately
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The first step in resolving a count discrepancy is to immediately
notify the surgeon and the surgical team so they can stop and search for the missing item.
4. Which of the following is a symptom of Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) that usually appears
first?
A. Hyperthermia
B. Generalized muscle rigidity
C. Increased end-tidal CO2
, D. Tachycardia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: An unexplained increase in end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) is often the
first and most sensitive indicator of a Malignant Hyperthermia crisis.
5. When preparing the skin for surgery using an alcohol-based prep, what is the minimum
required dry time to prevent fire?
A. 1 minute
B. 2 minutes
C. 3 minutes
D. 5 minutes
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: AORN guidelines state that alcohol-based preps must dry for a
minimum of 3 minutes (or longer if hair is present) to ensure all vapors have dissipated
before draping or using heat sources.
6. Where should the dispersive electrode (grounding pad) for the electrosurgical unit (ESU) be
placed?
A. On a bony prominence
B. On the patient’s distal extremity with hair
C. Near a metallic implant
