Clinical Issues — February 2024

THIS MONTH Retaining count sheets in the patient's medical record Key words: count sheet, medical record, procedural risk factor, retained surgical item, surgical count. Counting instruments during cavity closure Key words: uterine cavity, abdominal cavity, fetal procedure, cesarean delivery, instrument count. Surgical wound classification of procedures involving cancer removal Key words: cancer, contamination, infection, surgical wound classification, decision making. Placing an electrosurgical unit dispersive electrode over a tattoo Key words: dispersive electrode placement, metallic pigment, burn, tattoo, electrosurgical unit (ESU).