What steps must be taken if any part of the count is incorrect?

In situations where an incorrect count occurs, the surgeon should be immediately notified, and a recount should be initiated. Sterile team members and the perioperative nurse initiate a search of the sterile and unsterile fields.

What is the purpose of a surgical count?

Its purpose is twofold1: to ensure that item such as surgical instruments, sponges and sutures are not retained in the patients’ surgical wound, and to ensure that instruments are not accidentally discarded with rubbish and drapes at the end of the procedure, necessitating replacement.

When should a sponge count be done on an open abdominal case?

On all major procedures, sponge counts are made before closing; peritoneum, fascia, skin. On all minor procedures, sponge counts are made before closing; fascia, skin. Only one closing count is required for tonsillectomy, hand and foot cases.

When should a surgical count be performed?

The Initial count must be performed and documented immediately prior to the commencement of the surgery or procedure. The Final count must be performed and documented at the commencement of skin or equivalent closure.

What is surgical count?

The surgical count is an integral component of the perioperative nurse’s role designed to reduce the risk of unintentional retained items (URIs) during surgery.

Why there is a need to count all the accountable items throughout the operative procedure?

Counts are performed to account for all items and to lessen the potential for injury to the patient as a result of a retained foreign body. Complete and accurate counting procedures help promote optimal perioperative patient outcomes and demonstrate the perioperative practitioners commitment to patient safety.

What part of the sterile field is considered contaminated?

Any puncture, moisture, or tear that passes through a sterile barrier must be considered contaminated. Keep sterile surface dry and replace if wet or torn. 7. Once a sterile field is set up, the border of one inch at the edge of the sterile drape is considered non-sterile.

What happens if a sponge is left in you after surgery?

Otherwise known as retained surgical items, these objects can cause localized pain, discomfort and bloating. In some cases, they can lead to sepsis or death. “In two-thirds of these cases, there were serious consequences, whether that’s infection or even death,” said Dr.

What is a sponge count surgery?

A sponge count is necessary for surgical procedures when the depth or the location of the wound may allow a sponge to be left undetected in the wound.

In which instance is a surgical count not performed?

Risk factors identified as increasing the occurrence of an incorrect count or retained item include the following: emergency surgical procedures, unexpected change in the scope of the surgical procedure, procedures involving more than one surgical team, extended procedural length of time, unexpected transfusions, and …