Any procedural area is at risk for exposing a patient to the detrimental harm associated with a surgical item that is unintentionally retained. Simple procedures such as sewing damaged tissues after childbirth can result in a sponge or other item being retained. RNs and other members of the surgical team play a critical role in championing RSI prevention. This learning activity supports perioperative professionals in becoming RSI prevention champions, starting with a clear understanding of the prevalence and occurrence statistics on RSIs. Clear knowledge of the factors contributing to RSI is also discussed. With this understanding perioperative professionals can be informed collaborators to seek out practices, technologies, and shared awareness of methods to protect patients from retained items as a result of invasive care.
