Certified Surgical Technologist Patient Safety and Surgical Counts 3

Question 1

Which document is used to officially record surgical counts during an operative case?

Accepted Answer

Count sheet / count record

Answer

The count sheet (or count record) documents all items counted, who performed the count, and the results at each counting interval.

Question 2

How should soiled sponges be organized in the kick bucket to facilitate accurate counting?

Accepted Answer

Kept in groups of 5 or 10

Answer

Soiled sponges are kept in groups of 5 or 10 in the kick bucket so they can be quickly and accurately recounted during closing counts.

Question 3

The scrub technologist's primary responsibility during surgical counts is to:

Accepted Answer

Participate in the count and immediately report discrepancies to the circulator

Answer

The scrub technologist counts alongside the circulating nurse and must communicate any discrepancy immediately so corrective action can be taken.

Question 4

An incorrect count at skin closure requires which actions?

Accepted Answer

Both immediate notification of the surgeon and an intraoperative radiograph

Answer

A count discrepancy at closure requires notifying the surgeon immediately AND obtaining an intraoperative X-ray to rule out a retained surgical item before the patient leaves the OR.

Question 5

A 'raytec' sponge is most commonly used in surgery to:

Accepted Answer

Blot small amounts of blood within the operative wound

Answer

Raytec (4×4) sponges are small gauze sponges used for blotting and absorbing blood within the wound; they contain a radiopaque strip for detection if retained.

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Patient Safety and Surgical Counts 3