Surgical equipment and AI Flashcards
Instruments (SHCGRAS)
- Sharps/ cutting instruments
- haemostats forceps (artery forceps)
- Clamps
- grasping/holding instruments
- retractors
- accessory instruments
- specialised instruments
instrument trays
Named according to their use and surgical speciality. Trays include a set of instruments used for surgeries within the specialty.
- A tray list ensures the instrument nurse can be prepared.
What is the surgical count
The process of counting all accountable items prior to, during and at the completion of surgery or procedures that have the potential to be retained in a patient
Who is involved in the surgical count
Involves two people (one of which must be an RN) whereby they count the items out loud together. Ensures all items are accounted for.
- usually the scrub and scout nurse
What is an AI
Instruments and other items which, are at risk of being retained in the patient and require additional risk management.
Risk factors for AI
- human factors (poor communication, teamwork, leadership, organisational culture, fatigue)
- surgical factors (lengthy procedures, emergencies, uncontrolled bleeding)
- patient factors (high BMI)
- organisational (lack of standardised count process)
the IN count
Initial baseline count conducted prior to the case beginning.
- count conducted whenever new items are added into the field.
the OUT count - CAVITY count
- performed prior to closure of cavity within a cavity.
- A count performed before placement of mesh to close a space is considered a cavity count.
the OUT count - CLOSING count
count performed before wound closure begins
the OUT count - RELIEF count
Count performed at the time of permanent relief of either the scrub person or circulating nurse
the OUT count - ANYTIME count
performed at the discretion of any member of the OR team
the FINAL count
performed after skin closure, when surgical items are no longer in use and ALL instrumentation is passed off the surgical field
