Patient Safety and Surgical Counts Flashcards
6 cards from real Certified Surgical Technologist practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Patient Safety and Surgical Counts flashcards as text
Which document is used to officially record surgical counts during an operative case?
Answer: Count sheet / count record
The count sheet (or count record) documents all items counted, who performed the count, and the results at each counting interval.
How should soiled sponges be organized in the kick bucket to facilitate accurate counting?
Answer: Kept in groups of 5 or 10
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.
The scrub technologist's primary responsibility during surgical counts is to:
Answer: Participate in the count and immediately report discrepancies to the circulator
The scrub technologist counts alongside the circulating nurse and must communicate any discrepancy immediately so corrective action can be taken.
An incorrect count at skin closure requires which actions?
Answer: Both immediate notification of the surgeon and an intraoperative radiograph
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.
A 'raytec' sponge is most commonly used in surgery to:
Answer: Blot small amounts of blood within the operative wound
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.
When should the scrub technologist notify the surgeon of a count discrepancy?
Answer: Immediately upon identifying the discrepancy
Immediate notification of the surgeon is required so the wound can be explored before closure, preventing a retained surgical item.