AORN AORN Surgical Counts and Accountability

Question 1

When should the initial surgical count be performed according to AORN recommended practices?

Accepted Answer

Before the procedure begins, before incision

Answer

After the patient is draped and positioned

Answer

After the first incision is made

Answer

At any time before wound closure

Question 2

Which items are included in the standardized perioperative surgical count per AORN guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Sponges, sharps, instruments, and miscellaneous items

Answer

Sponges and sharps only

Answer

Instruments and sutures only

Answer

Only items that could be retained in a body cavity

Question 3

According to AORN, how should surgical counts be performed to ensure accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Concurrently and audibly by both the scrub person and circulating nurse

Answer

Silently by the scrub person alone

Answer

By the circulating nurse watching the scrub person count

Answer

By the surgeon and scrub person together

Question 4

What action should be taken if a surgical count discrepancy is identified before wound closure?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the surgeon, perform a wound search, and obtain an X-ray if the item is not found

Answer

Close the wound and document the discrepancy

Answer

Recount once and proceed if the recount is consistent

Answer

Notify the charge nurse and continue the procedure

Question 5

When should the closing count be performed during surgery?

Accepted Answer

Before closure of a body cavity, hollow organ, or wound

Answer

After skin closure is complete

Answer

Only if a discrepancy occurred during the initial count

Answer

At the discretion of the surgeon

Question 6

Which of the following is the correct method for counting sponges on the sterile field?

Accepted Answer

Counting sponges one at a time while separated from the group

Answer

Counting sponges in their original package groupings

Answer

Counting only used sponges at the end of the case

Answer

Counting sponges only when a discrepancy is suspected