Recognizes that a count may be requested by any member of the perioperative team involved in the counting process. Conducts the initial count before the patient enters the OR or procedure room when possible. Has a second RN assist when conducting the initial before the patient enters the room is not possible. Counts sponges, sharps, instruments, and other miscellaneous items in order from [facility-specific preference (eg, large to small item size, small to large item size, proximal to distal from the wound, distal to proximal from the wound)]. Counts items audibly, views items concurrently with another individual when counting, and recognizes that one of the individuals performing the count should be the RN circulator. Recognizes that when possible, counts during a procedure should be performed by the same two individuals. Separates and points out items while audibly counting. Counts packaged items according to the number that the item is packaged in. When encountering packages containing an incorrect number of items, or items with a manufacturing defect, excludes the from the count, removes them from the field, isolates them from the rest of the countable items, and labels them, or removes them from the room before the patient’s entry. If the count is interrupted, restarts the count for the type of item being counted during the interruption (eg, laparotomy sponges). For multiple procedures or sterile fields, counts all items together at the final count while sterile technique is maintained.
Recognizes that a count may be requested by any member of the perioperative team involved in the counting process. Conducts the initial count before the patient enters the OR or procedure room when possible. Has a second RN assist when conducting the initial before the patient enters the room is not possible. Counts sponges, sharps, instruments, and other miscellaneous items in order from [facility-specific preference (eg, large to small item size, small to large item size, proximal to distal from the wound, distal to proximal from the wound)]. Counts items audibly, views items concurrently with another individual when counting, and recognizes that one of the individuals performing the count should be the RN circulator. Recognizes that when possible, counts during a procedure should be performed by the same two individuals. Separates and points out items while audibly counting. Counts packaged items according to the number that the item is packaged in. When encountering packages containing an incorrect number of items, or items with a manufacturing defect, excludes the from the count, removes them from the field, isolates them from the rest of the countable items, and labels them, or removes them from the room before the patient’s entry. If the count is interrupted, restarts the count for the type of item being counted during the interruption (eg, laparotomy sponges). For multiple procedures or sterile fields, counts all items together at the final count while sterile technique is maintained.