Which of the following items is typically counted intra-op?

During an intraoperative procedure, sponges are typically counted to ensure that none are inadvertently left inside a patient's body after surgery. Sponges are absorbent materials used to soak up blood and other fluids, and their small size makes it easy for them to be misplaced or lost among the surgical field. Since leaving a sponge inside a patient can lead to serious complications, including infection or the formation of abscesses, meticulous counting is crucial.

Surgical instruments are also monitored, but they are usually not counted in the same way that sponges are. Instruments are more easily identified and accounted for due to their larger size and unique characteristics. Drapes and towels, while important, are not part of the critical count because they are less likely to cause harm if retained. Therefore, the primary focus during the count is on sponges, making them the correct answer in this scenario.