Tech in Surgery Prep / Unit 27 TSC 664 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Retained Items Found Later
The idea
A surgical item left inside a patient may not be discovered until days, weeks, months or even years after the operation.
In practice
Learn what the retained-item primers describe, in order. First, the most common and most dangerous situation is a count called correct when an item remains, because everyone believes the patient is safe. Second, a retained sponge can form a mass that causes obstruction, or become infected and form an abscess or cause sepsis. Third, retained sharps or small metal items can move through tissue, cause infection or perforate structures. Fourth, the patient may need further surgery to remove the item. Fifth, retained items are reportable safety events that facilities review.
Where people slip
Retained items are prevented by the habits taught throughout this course: separating every sponge, counting every addition, containing every needle, and examining the wound, together.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
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