Which statement is true about AORN Recommended Practices?

• A. They are merely suggestions for practice.
• B. They are based on scientific evidence of how nurses actually practice.
• C. They always override institutional policies.
• D. They apply universally to all healthcare settings.

Answer: (B)

The statement that AORN Recommended Practices are based on scientific evidence of how nurses actually practice is accurate and highlights the purpose and importance of these practices. The AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) develops these recommended practices through comprehensive research and a review of current literature, which ensures that they reflect the best available evidence. This evidence-based approach aims to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of perioperative nursing care.

While the recommendations serve as a valuable resource for guiding nursing practices, they are not simply suggestions; they are founded on rigorous research and expert consensus. This scientific backing distinguishes them from other forms of guidance and underscores their relevance in real-world nursing scenarios. Therefore, they support the idea of using clinical evidence to inform nursing practices in the perioperative setting.

Given this context, it is important to recognize that while AORN Recommended Practices are authoritative, they are designed to complement rather than replace institutional policies. Additionally, they may not be universally applicable across all healthcare settings due to variations in resources, procedures, and patient populations, making that option less accurate.