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

AORN recommends the initial count be performed before the procedure begins and before the incision to establish a baseline of all countable items.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Sponges, sharps, instruments, and miscellaneous items

Answer

AORN's recommended practices include counting sponges, sharps, instruments, and any miscellaneous items (e.g., vessel loops, electrosurgical tips) that could be retained.

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

Counts must be performed concurrently and audibly by both the scrub person and circulating nurse to reduce the risk of counting errors.

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

A count discrepancy requires immediate notification of the surgeon, a thorough wound search, and an intraoperative X-ray if the missing item is not located.

Question 5

When should the closing count be performed during surgery?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The closing count should be performed before closure of any body cavity, hollow organ, or the wound to verify all items are accounted for.

(AORN) Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Practice Test

(AORN) Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Practice Test

AORN AORN Surgical Counts and Accountability