Following is the picture of sterile sponge used in emergency. It has a blue colour thread. What is the purpose of this colour thread?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Explanation

The blue thread is a radiopaque marker, typically containing barium sulfate, making it visible on X-rays.
Its primary purpose is to allow for the detection of the sponge via radiography if it is accidentally left inside a patient's body after a surgical procedure.
This safety feature is crucial for preventing a serious medical error known as gossypiboma, or a retained surgical item (RSI).

Option B: While the blue color might be visible against blood, this is a secondary and incidental benefit. The primary, critical function is its radiopacity for X-ray detection, not its visual contrast.
Option C: This is definitively false. The blue thread has a critical, internationally recognized patient safety purpose.
Option D: The blue line is a functional component, not a cosmetic or stylistic design choice. Its presence is dictated by safety standards for surgical supplies.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Purpose of radiopaque markers in surgical sponges as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The prevention of retained surgical items is a core nursing responsibility in the perioperative setting. Nurses lead the surgical count process, which is the primary defense against this preventable error.
A nurse's diligence in performing and documenting accurate counts directly impacts patient safety and prevents severe complications, including infection, abscess formation, and the need for reoperation.
What if? If a surgical count is incorrect but an X-ray is not performed, a retained sponge could lead to a chronic inflammatory response, forming a mass (gossypiboma) that might be mistaken for a tumor months or years later, leading to incorrect diagnosis and treatment.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the image to identify the object: a sterile medical gauze or sponge with a distinct blue line.
Next, read the question carefully, noting that it asks for the purpose of the blue thread.
Connect the visual cue (a special marker on a surgical item) with your knowledge of medical safety procedures. Items intended for internal use during surgery often have features to ensure they can be located.
Evaluate the options. 'Radiopaque' is a specific medical term meaning the object blocks radiation and will therefore appear on an X-ray. This is a strong candidate for a safety feature.
Critically assess the other options. Visibility in blood is a weak reason compared to post-surgical detection. 'No purpose' and 'design' are highly unlikely for a standardized feature on a medical device.
Conclude that the most logical and critical purpose is for X-ray detection, making 'radiopaque' the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Purpose of radiopaque markers in surgical sponges
Stem keywords: sterile sponge, blue colour thread, purpose
Lead-in keywords: What is the purpose
Clinical cues: The care setting changes urgency, monitoring level, and the expected nursing action.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 1 p. 69-71

Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.