1
AORN Periop 101 Final Exam
TEST BANK (2025/2026) –
250+ Expected Questions &
Revised Correct Answers |
100% Guarantee Pass
Multiple Choice Questions
Aseptic Technique
1. What is the primary goal of aseptic technique in the perioperative setting?
A. Improve patient satisfaction
B. Prevent contamination of the surgical site
C. Reduce operating room turnover time
D. Minimize equipment costs
Correct Answer: B. Prevent contamination of the surgical site
Rationale: Aseptic technique aims to restrict pathogenic organisms from the patient,
environment, equipment, and supplies, ensuring a sterile surgical field to prevent surgical
site infections (SSIs). Patient satisfaction, turnover time, and costs are not primary goals.
2. Which practice best maintains a sterile field during surgery?
A. Preparing sterile fields for multiple patients simultaneously
B. Constantly monitoring the sterile field
C. Covering sterile fields for extended periods
D. Shaking drapes before placement
Correct Answer: B. Constantly monitoring the sterile field
Rationale: AORN Recommended Practice V states that a sterile field should be
constantly monitored to prevent contamination. Preparing multiple fields, prolonged
covering, or shaking drapes increases contamination risks.
3. When is a sterile field considered contaminated?
A. When covered with a sterile drape
B. When an unsterile item touches the top of the drape
C. When prepared immediately before surgery
D. When placed above the tallest scrubbed team member’s waistline
Correct Answer: B. When an unsterile item touches the top of the drape
, 2
Rationale: The top of a properly draped sterile field is considered sterile. Any contact
with an unsterile item, such as a surgeon’s eyeglasses falling into the field, contaminates
it, requiring re-draping or replacement.
4. What should a perioperative nurse do if a drape shows strikethrough?
A. Ignore it if the surgery is almost complete
B. Place a new sterile drape over the contaminated area
C. Remove the contaminated drape immediately
D. Continue surgery and document the incident later
Correct Answer: B. Place a new sterile drape over the contaminated area
Rationale: Strikethrough, where fluid seeps through a drape, compromises sterility.
Placing a new sterile drape over the area maintains the sterile field without increasing
contamination risk from removal.
5. Which statement about surgical conscience is true?
A. It allows compromise in aseptic technique for efficiency
B. It involves mental discipline and speaking out to prevent harm
C. It is optional for experienced perioperative nurses
D. It only applies to the scrub nurse
Correct Answer: B. It involves mental discipline and speaking out to prevent harm
Rationale: Surgical conscience requires mental discipline, adherence to aseptic
principles, and the courage to address breaches to ensure patient safety. It is non-
negotiable and applies to all team members.
6. How should sterile supplies be opened to maintain asepsis?
A. Open all supplies for the day in the morning
B. Open supplies as close to the time of use as possible
C. Open supplies in a central sterile area and transport to the OR
D. Shake packages to ensure contents are loose
Correct Answer: B. Open supplies as close to the time of use as possible
Rationale: Opening sterile supplies close to the time of use minimizes exposure to air
contamination, per AORN guidelines. Other practices increase contamination risks.
7. What is a major break in sterile technique?
A. Using a c-arm in lateral position
B. An unsterile instrument set used during surgery
C. Wearing sterile gloves for over 150 minutes
D. Placing a sterile drape over a clean surface
Correct Answer: B. An unsterile instrument set used during surgery
Rationale: Using an unsterile instrument set is a major break in sterile technique,
potentially leading to a Class III (contaminated) wound classification. Other options may
require action but are not major breaks.
8. Which area of a properly draped sterile field is considered sterile?
A. The bottom of the drape
B. The sides of the drape
C. The top of the drape
D. Any area below the table level
Correct Answer: C. The top of the drape
Rationale: Only the top of a properly draped sterile field is considered sterile. Areas
below the table or on the sides are considered unsterile, per AORN guidelines.
, 3
9. What should a perioperative nurse do if they notice a hole in a sterile drape?
A. Continue surgery and document the incident
B. Cover the hole with a new sterile drape
C. Replace the entire sterile field
D. Ignore it if the hole is small
Correct Answer: B. Cover the hole with a new sterile drape
Rationale: A hole in a sterile drape compromises the sterile field. Covering it with a new
sterile drape maintains sterility without risking further contamination by replacing the
entire field.
10. When should perioperative team members perform surgical hand antisepsis?
A. After every patient transfer
B. Before preparing a sterile field
C. After removing sterile gloves
D. At the end of the surgical day
Correct Answer: B. Before preparing a sterile field
Rationale: Surgical hand antisepsis is required before preparing a sterile field to prevent
contamination. Other actions may require hand hygiene but not necessarily surgical
antisepsis.
11. What is the recommended practice for handling natural absorbable sutures?
A. Open the package over a large basin
B. Open carefully over a small basin to prevent splashing
C. Shake the package to loosen contents
D. Store in a warm, humid environment
Correct Answer: B. Open carefully over a small basin to prevent splashing
Rationale: Natural absorbable sutures (e.g., plain or chromic gut) require careful opening
over a small basin to avoid splashing packaging solution, which could contaminate the
sterile field.
12. Which practice violates aseptic technique during draping?
A. Draping from the surgical site outward
B. Securing cables with non-perforating devices
C. Shaking drapes before placement
D. Using a stockinette for extremity procedures
Correct Answer: C. Shaking drapes before placement
Rationale: Shaking drapes can release lint or particles, contaminating the sterile field.
Draping from the surgical site outward, securing cables, and using stockinettes are
recommended practices.
13. What should be done if a sterile item falls onto the floor?
A. Retrieve and inspect it for damage
B. Discard it as contaminated
C. Rinse it with sterile saline and reuse
D. Place it back on the sterile field if clean
Correct Answer: B. Discard it as contaminated
Rationale: Any sterile item that contacts an unsterile surface, such as the floor, is
considered contaminated and must be discarded to maintain asepsis.
14. Which statement about covering a sterile field is correct?
A. Covering is the primary strategy to prevent contamination
, 4
B. Covered sterile fields can remain sterile for 24 hours
C. Covering is used for unanticipated delays or increased activity
D. Covered fields should be prepared in the morning for all cases
Correct Answer: C. Covering is used for unanticipated delays or increased activity
Rationale: Covering a sterile field is a secondary strategy for unanticipated delays, not a
primary method. Evidence suggests no difference in contamination after 24 hours, and
early preparation increases risk.
15. What is the definition of aseptic technique?
A. Reducing bacterial counts on the skin
B. Restricting pathogenic organisms from the surgical environment
C. Sterilizing the patient’s skin
D. Cleaning instruments after surgery
Correct Answer: B. Restricting pathogenic organisms from the surgical
environment
Rationale: Aseptic technique involves practices to restrict pathogens from the patient,
environment, equipment, and supplies, preventing SSIs. Sterilization applies to
instruments, not skin.
16. When should sterile gloves be changed during a procedure?
A. Every 30 minutes
B. Every 90–150 minutes or after handling cement
C. Only at the surgeon’s request
D. After every patient contact
Correct Answer: B. Every 90–150 minutes or after handling cement
Rationale: Sterile gloves should be changed every 90–150 minutes or after handling
cement (e.g., for implants) to maintain sterility and prevent contamination.
17. Which packaging system characteristic is essential for sterilization?
A. Made of disposable materials only
B. Permits aseptic delivery of contents to the sterile field
C. Maintains sterility for a specified time
D. Compatible with all sterilization processes
Correct Answer: B. Permits aseptic delivery of contents to the sterile field
Rationale: A packaging system must allow aseptic delivery to the sterile field to
maintain sterility during use. Other options are desirable but not essential.
18. What should a perioperative nurse do if they suspect contamination of a sterile
field?
A. Continue surgery and document later
B. Stop the procedure and address the contamination
C. Ignore it if the contamination is minor
D. Cover the area with a sterile towel
Correct Answer: B. Stop the procedure and address the contamination
Rationale: Suspected contamination requires immediate action to stop the procedure and
address the issue (e.g., re-draping or replacing items) to prevent SSIs.
19. Which action is recommended when transferring sterile items to the field?
A. Toss items onto the sterile field
B. Hand items directly to the scrub nurse
C. Place items gently on the edge of the sterile field
AORN Periop 101 Final Exam
TEST BANK (2025/2026) –
250+ Expected Questions &
Revised Correct Answers |
100% Guarantee Pass
Multiple Choice Questions
Aseptic Technique
1. What is the primary goal of aseptic technique in the perioperative setting?
A. Improve patient satisfaction
B. Prevent contamination of the surgical site
C. Reduce operating room turnover time
D. Minimize equipment costs
Correct Answer: B. Prevent contamination of the surgical site
Rationale: Aseptic technique aims to restrict pathogenic organisms from the patient,
environment, equipment, and supplies, ensuring a sterile surgical field to prevent surgical
site infections (SSIs). Patient satisfaction, turnover time, and costs are not primary goals.
2. Which practice best maintains a sterile field during surgery?
A. Preparing sterile fields for multiple patients simultaneously
B. Constantly monitoring the sterile field
C. Covering sterile fields for extended periods
D. Shaking drapes before placement
Correct Answer: B. Constantly monitoring the sterile field
Rationale: AORN Recommended Practice V states that a sterile field should be
constantly monitored to prevent contamination. Preparing multiple fields, prolonged
covering, or shaking drapes increases contamination risks.
3. When is a sterile field considered contaminated?
A. When covered with a sterile drape
B. When an unsterile item touches the top of the drape
C. When prepared immediately before surgery
D. When placed above the tallest scrubbed team member’s waistline
Correct Answer: B. When an unsterile item touches the top of the drape
, 2
Rationale: The top of a properly draped sterile field is considered sterile. Any contact
with an unsterile item, such as a surgeon’s eyeglasses falling into the field, contaminates
it, requiring re-draping or replacement.
4. What should a perioperative nurse do if a drape shows strikethrough?
A. Ignore it if the surgery is almost complete
B. Place a new sterile drape over the contaminated area
C. Remove the contaminated drape immediately
D. Continue surgery and document the incident later
Correct Answer: B. Place a new sterile drape over the contaminated area
Rationale: Strikethrough, where fluid seeps through a drape, compromises sterility.
Placing a new sterile drape over the area maintains the sterile field without increasing
contamination risk from removal.
5. Which statement about surgical conscience is true?
A. It allows compromise in aseptic technique for efficiency
B. It involves mental discipline and speaking out to prevent harm
C. It is optional for experienced perioperative nurses
D. It only applies to the scrub nurse
Correct Answer: B. It involves mental discipline and speaking out to prevent harm
Rationale: Surgical conscience requires mental discipline, adherence to aseptic
principles, and the courage to address breaches to ensure patient safety. It is non-
negotiable and applies to all team members.
6. How should sterile supplies be opened to maintain asepsis?
A. Open all supplies for the day in the morning
B. Open supplies as close to the time of use as possible
C. Open supplies in a central sterile area and transport to the OR
D. Shake packages to ensure contents are loose
Correct Answer: B. Open supplies as close to the time of use as possible
Rationale: Opening sterile supplies close to the time of use minimizes exposure to air
contamination, per AORN guidelines. Other practices increase contamination risks.
7. What is a major break in sterile technique?
A. Using a c-arm in lateral position
B. An unsterile instrument set used during surgery
C. Wearing sterile gloves for over 150 minutes
D. Placing a sterile drape over a clean surface
Correct Answer: B. An unsterile instrument set used during surgery
Rationale: Using an unsterile instrument set is a major break in sterile technique,
potentially leading to a Class III (contaminated) wound classification. Other options may
require action but are not major breaks.
8. Which area of a properly draped sterile field is considered sterile?
A. The bottom of the drape
B. The sides of the drape
C. The top of the drape
D. Any area below the table level
Correct Answer: C. The top of the drape
Rationale: Only the top of a properly draped sterile field is considered sterile. Areas
below the table or on the sides are considered unsterile, per AORN guidelines.
, 3
9. What should a perioperative nurse do if they notice a hole in a sterile drape?
A. Continue surgery and document the incident
B. Cover the hole with a new sterile drape
C. Replace the entire sterile field
D. Ignore it if the hole is small
Correct Answer: B. Cover the hole with a new sterile drape
Rationale: A hole in a sterile drape compromises the sterile field. Covering it with a new
sterile drape maintains sterility without risking further contamination by replacing the
entire field.
10. When should perioperative team members perform surgical hand antisepsis?
A. After every patient transfer
B. Before preparing a sterile field
C. After removing sterile gloves
D. At the end of the surgical day
Correct Answer: B. Before preparing a sterile field
Rationale: Surgical hand antisepsis is required before preparing a sterile field to prevent
contamination. Other actions may require hand hygiene but not necessarily surgical
antisepsis.
11. What is the recommended practice for handling natural absorbable sutures?
A. Open the package over a large basin
B. Open carefully over a small basin to prevent splashing
C. Shake the package to loosen contents
D. Store in a warm, humid environment
Correct Answer: B. Open carefully over a small basin to prevent splashing
Rationale: Natural absorbable sutures (e.g., plain or chromic gut) require careful opening
over a small basin to avoid splashing packaging solution, which could contaminate the
sterile field.
12. Which practice violates aseptic technique during draping?
A. Draping from the surgical site outward
B. Securing cables with non-perforating devices
C. Shaking drapes before placement
D. Using a stockinette for extremity procedures
Correct Answer: C. Shaking drapes before placement
Rationale: Shaking drapes can release lint or particles, contaminating the sterile field.
Draping from the surgical site outward, securing cables, and using stockinettes are
recommended practices.
13. What should be done if a sterile item falls onto the floor?
A. Retrieve and inspect it for damage
B. Discard it as contaminated
C. Rinse it with sterile saline and reuse
D. Place it back on the sterile field if clean
Correct Answer: B. Discard it as contaminated
Rationale: Any sterile item that contacts an unsterile surface, such as the floor, is
considered contaminated and must be discarded to maintain asepsis.
14. Which statement about covering a sterile field is correct?
A. Covering is the primary strategy to prevent contamination
, 4
B. Covered sterile fields can remain sterile for 24 hours
C. Covering is used for unanticipated delays or increased activity
D. Covered fields should be prepared in the morning for all cases
Correct Answer: C. Covering is used for unanticipated delays or increased activity
Rationale: Covering a sterile field is a secondary strategy for unanticipated delays, not a
primary method. Evidence suggests no difference in contamination after 24 hours, and
early preparation increases risk.
15. What is the definition of aseptic technique?
A. Reducing bacterial counts on the skin
B. Restricting pathogenic organisms from the surgical environment
C. Sterilizing the patient’s skin
D. Cleaning instruments after surgery
Correct Answer: B. Restricting pathogenic organisms from the surgical
environment
Rationale: Aseptic technique involves practices to restrict pathogens from the patient,
environment, equipment, and supplies, preventing SSIs. Sterilization applies to
instruments, not skin.
16. When should sterile gloves be changed during a procedure?
A. Every 30 minutes
B. Every 90–150 minutes or after handling cement
C. Only at the surgeon’s request
D. After every patient contact
Correct Answer: B. Every 90–150 minutes or after handling cement
Rationale: Sterile gloves should be changed every 90–150 minutes or after handling
cement (e.g., for implants) to maintain sterility and prevent contamination.
17. Which packaging system characteristic is essential for sterilization?
A. Made of disposable materials only
B. Permits aseptic delivery of contents to the sterile field
C. Maintains sterility for a specified time
D. Compatible with all sterilization processes
Correct Answer: B. Permits aseptic delivery of contents to the sterile field
Rationale: A packaging system must allow aseptic delivery to the sterile field to
maintain sterility during use. Other options are desirable but not essential.
18. What should a perioperative nurse do if they suspect contamination of a sterile
field?
A. Continue surgery and document later
B. Stop the procedure and address the contamination
C. Ignore it if the contamination is minor
D. Cover the area with a sterile towel
Correct Answer: B. Stop the procedure and address the contamination
Rationale: Suspected contamination requires immediate action to stop the procedure and
address the issue (e.g., re-draping or replacing items) to prevent SSIs.
19. Which action is recommended when transferring sterile items to the field?
A. Toss items onto the sterile field
B. Hand items directly to the scrub nurse
C. Place items gently on the edge of the sterile field
