What are the potential consequences of a retained foreign object after surgery?

Retained foreign objects after surgery can lead to a variety of serious complications, with infection and obstruction being among the most significant. When a foreign object, such as a surgical sponge or instrument, remains in the body, it can facilitate the growth of bacteria, leading to an infection. This is particularly problematic in sterile environments, such as surgical sites where the risk of infection is already elevated.

Furthermore, a retained object can cause physical obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract or other systems, which can result in severe pain, vomiting, and the inability to pass stools. This can escalate to a surgical emergency, requiring additional procedures to remove the object and manage any resulting complications.

In this context, the other options, while potentially serious issues in different scenarios, are less directly related to retained foreign objects. Decreased blood flow, inability to move, and cardiac arrest are complications that can arise from various conditions or injuries but are not primarily associated with the immediate ramifications of leaving a foreign body inside a patient after surgery.