All perioperative team members are responsible for the prevention of retained surgical items (RSIs).Unintentionally retained surgical items are felt to be completely preventable "never events." Variables associated with increased RSI risk include:
A) estimated blood loss greater than 500 mL.
B) elevated BMI.
C) an incorrect surgical count.
D) staff change.
E) involvement of more than one surgical team.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Retained surgical items are a complication with serious potential consequences for the people involved.Perioperative team members have a moral obligation to protect patients by preventing retained surgical items.The AORN (2016a)Guideline for Prevention of Retained Surgical Items provides guidance for implementing an effective system to prevent RSIs,Accounting for surgical items (radiopaque soft goods,sharps,and instruments),preventing retention of device fragments,and reconciling discrepancies.Variables found to increase risk include EBL greater than 500 mL,an incorrect or absent surgical count and involvement of more than one surgical team.Elevated BMI,and changes of staff are not associated with increased risk.

All Perioperative Team Members Are Responsible for the Prevention of Retained