Question

A 58-year-old surgeon realises after an operation that she may have left a small surgical sponge in a patient's abdomen. The patient is still in recovery and stable. According to Canadian standards and CanMEDS Professional role, what is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Inform the patient and family promptly about the possible error and arrange appropriate imaging and management

Answer

Wait to see if the patient becomes symptomatic before acting

Answer

Do not document the concern to avoid medicolegal issues

Answer

Ask the nursing staff to speak with the patient instead

Answer

Ignore the concern because the risk is low

Practice question

A 58-year-old surgeon realises after an operation that she may have left a small surgical sponge in a patient's abdomen. The patient is still in recovery and stable. According to Canadian standards and CanMEDS Professional role, what is the most appropriate immediate action?