Instrument sets must be standardized to ensure quality patient care. This means that the same type and number of instruments should be included in each set, and a list of trays should be used for each count. If there is no possibility of an item being retained, then there is no need for a surgical count. Both counting nurses must agree that a count is not required, and the surgeon and surgical team should be informed that no count will be completed for that procedure.
Errors in surgical counting can have serious negative impacts on the health and safety of the patient, as it can result in the inadvertent retention of a surgical article. To avoid this, it is important to ensure that all instruments are accounted for during the procedure. To ensure accuracy, nurses should double-check their counts before and after the procedure. They should also document any discrepancies in the count and report them to the surgeon or other members of the surgical team.
Additionally, nurses should be aware of any changes in instrument sets or trays during the procedure, as this could affect the accuracy of the count. Finally, nurses should be aware of any new instruments or items that may have been added to the tray during the procedure. This could include items such as sponges, needles, or other items that may not have been included in the original count. By following these guidelines, nurses can help ensure accuracy in surgical counts and reduce the risk of errors that could have serious consequences for patients.
