CST Surgical Counts & Documentation 2

Question 1

When new items are added to the sterile field during a procedure, what must occur?

Accepted Answer

Count them immediately with the circulator and document the addition

Answer

Note them mentally and add to the final count only

Answer

Inform the surgeon only and continue the case

Answer

Wait until the next scheduled count interval to add them

Question 2

Who is responsible for documenting surgical count results in the perioperative record?

Accepted Answer

The circulating nurse documents counts in the perioperative nursing record

Answer

The scrub technician records all count data

Answer

The anesthesiologist documents counts in the anesthesia record

Answer

The surgeon documents counts in the operative report

Question 3

What is the correct method for managing sharps such as needles and blades during counting?

Accepted Answer

Count individually and contain in a designated needle counter or magnetic pad

Answer

Count them as a group at the conclusion of the procedure

Answer

Estimate based on the number of suture packs opened

Answer

Count only if the surgeon reports a missing sharp

Question 4

When the scrub technician is permanently relieved by another during a procedure, what must happen?

Accepted Answer

A complete count must be performed at the exact time of relief

Answer

The procedure continues uninterrupted without a formal count

Answer

Only instruments need to be re-counted at relief

Answer

The outgoing scrub tech provides a verbal summary to the incoming tech

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of the 'closing count' in a surgical procedure?

Accepted Answer

To verify all items are accounted for before wound closure begins

Answer

To inventory unused supplies for restocking

Answer

To count supplies used for accurate billing

Answer

To document which medications were given by the anesthesiologist

Question 6

If a count cannot be reconciled after a thorough search of the field and room, what is the mandatory next step?

Accepted Answer

Obtain an intraoperative X-ray before closing the wound

Answer

Proceed with closure and perform a re-count in the PACU

Answer

Document the discrepancy and close at the surgeon's discretion

Answer

Request a second opinion from the charge nurse before proceeding

Question 7

Which statement best describes the 'one-at-a-time' principle applied during surgical counts?

Accepted Answer

Each item must be counted and acknowledged individually rather than in groups

Answer

Items should be counted only once during the entire procedure

Answer

Only one person should speak during the count to avoid confusion

Answer

Items in the same category should be counted one category at a time