Question

The circulating nurse reports that the needle count is incorrect. The surgeon continues to close the wound stating 'I know it is not in the wound and I am not going to stop to look for it'. The best plan of action is to:

1) Inform the surgeon about the importance of accurate needle count and request to stop and look for the missing needle
2) Ignore the incorrect needle count and continue with the wound closure
3) Inform the surgeon about the incorrect needle count and document it for future reference
4) Ask another nurse to count the needles again to confirm if there is any missing needle

Answer 1

When a nurse reports an incorrect needle count, it is essential to inform the surgeon, pause the closure of the wound, and look for the missing needle to ensure patient safety, and documenting the event if necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct plan of action when a circulating nurse reports an incorrect needle count is to first address the safety of the patient by ensuring all items used during the procedure are accounted for. The best option is 1) Inform the surgeon about the importance of accurate needle count and request to stop and look for the missing needle. It is crucial for the surgical team to ensure that no foreign objects are left inside the patient's body to prevent future complications. The surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional are responsible for the safety of the procedure and the care of the patient post-operation. If the count remains incorrect after a recount and further search, documentation is necessary, and additional steps must be taken to locate the missing needle, which may include imaging studies. The importance of an accurate needle count should be stressed as a critical component of patient safety.