SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

Question 1

cutting instruments

Answer 1

these instruments are used to cut tissue, incise, scrape, puncture, or punch.

Question 2

bandage scissors

Answer 2

blunt tip to remove dressings without damage to skin; come in many different sizes

Question 3

operating scissors

Answer 3

common types are Iris, Metzenbaum, or Mayo-used to cut or dissect tissue and may have straight or curved blades

Question 4

Littauer or stitch scissors

Answer 4

used to remove sutures; has a beak or hook used to lift the suture up and cut it

Question 5

scalpel

Answer 5

usually disposable with attached blade but can be a reusable handle with interchangeable blades

Question 6

curette

Answer 6

used to scrape surface tissue or debris in biopsies or cleaning procedures

Question 7

clamping and holding

Answer 7

used to clamp, hold, and manipulate tissue

Question 8

hemostats

Answer 8

designed to stop bleeding or clamp severed blood vessels; may be serrated, curved, or straight; come in various sizes

Question 9

needle holders

Answer 9

used to hold curved needles to grasp the needle tightly; has serrations or a groove in the center in order to hold the needle

Question 10

dressing forceps

Answer 10

vary in length and usually have serrations but no teeth; used to pick up objects and to inset packing

Question 11

towel forceps

Answer 11

usually have sharp tips to hold surgical draping in place

Question 12

sponge forceps

Answer 12

used to hold dressings or gauze sponges

Question 13

utility forceps

Answer 13

used to transfer or arrange items in a sterile field; come in many different sizes and lengths

Question 14

tissue forceps

Answer 14

different types of forceps used to clamp and hold tissue

Question 15

retraction

Answer 15

retractors and skin hooks used to hold tissue away from surgical incisions. The Senn retractor is commonly used in office procedures. The flat end is used as a retractor and the pronged end is used as a skin hook

Question 16

probing and dilating

Answer 16

used for both surgery and for examinations. Probes can be used to explore a wound or to enter a fistula. Dilators are used to stretch an opening or to open a cavity for examination or prior to inserting another instrument

Question 17

Trocars and obturators

Answer 17

pointed obturator contained within a cannula used to withdraw fluids from cavities or for draining and irrigating with a catheter; specula dilate or open a body orifice or cavity such as the vagina or nasal passage.