What is the purpose of counting instruments during a surgical procedure?

The purpose of counting instruments during a surgical procedure primarily revolves around patient safety, specifically ensuring that no instruments are inadvertently left inside the patient after the surgery is completed. This essential practice helps prevent complications that could arise from retained foreign objects, which can lead to infection, internal injury, and require additional surgeries to retrieve the misplaced instruments. The counting process typically involves both the surgical team and circulating nurse and is a standard protocol to maintain accountability and thoroughness during operations.

The focus on this aspect highlights the critical role that instrument counting plays in safeguarding patient health and preventing adverse outcomes post-surgery. Such practices are fundamental to maintaining high surgical standards and ensuring that each procedure is conducted with the utmost care and precision.