Certified Surgical Technologist Patient Safety and Surgical Counts

Question 1

How many times are surgical counts typically performed during a standard operative procedure?

Accepted Answer

Three to four times — initial, before cavity closure, and at skin closure

Answer

Counts are performed at initial setup, before closure of a body cavity, before skin closure, and at case end to ensure no items are retained.

Question 2

Which items are included in a complete surgical count per AORN standards?

Accepted Answer

Sponges, sharps, and instruments

Answer

AORN standards require counting sponges, sharps (needles, blades), and instruments to prevent any item from being retained.

Question 3

X-ray detectable sponges are used in surgery primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Enable radiographic detection if inadvertently retained

Answer

Radiopaque markers woven into surgical sponges allow them to be identified on X-ray if a retained item is suspected.

Question 4

When a count discrepancy is identified at wound closure, what is the FIRST action?

Accepted Answer

Perform a recount of all items

Answer

A recount is performed first to rule out a counting error before escalating to a radiograph or other measures.

Question 5

Which organization establishes the standards for surgical counts in the United States?

Accepted Answer

AORN

Answer

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) publishes evidence-based guidelines for surgical counts and patient safety.

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test