Tech in Surgery Prep / Unit 22 TSC 541 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Tracking Sponges and Sharps During the Case
The idea
The scrub person keeps track of counted items throughout the case, not only at the formal counts.
In practice
Follow the habits in order. First, know where every counted item is: on the field, in the wound, on the Mayo stand, or counted out. Second, keep used needles contained in a needle counter, never loose. Third, have discarded sponges bagged or arranged in counted multiples so they can be seen. Fourth, add each new item to the count as it is opened. Fifth, keep instruments that fall or leave the field in the room until the final count. Sixth, tell the circulating nurse about anything that changes the count.
Where people slip
A count done only at the end has to reconstruct the whole case from memory. A count kept continuously only has to confirm it.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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