IAHCSMM Surgical Instrument Identification & Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What material is most commonly used in the manufacturing of surgical instruments?
- Carbon steel
- Titanium
- Stainless steel (typically 300 and 400 series) (Correct answer)
- Aluminum
Correct answer: Stainless steel (typically 300 and 400 series)
300-series stainless steel (corrosion-resistant) and 400-series (hardened for cutting edges) are the most common surgical instrument materials.
Question 2: What is the purpose of passivation of stainless steel instruments?
- To sharpen cutting edges
- To create a protective chromium oxide layer that resists corrosion (Correct answer)
- To sterilize instruments with a chemical bath
- To add a non-stick coating for tissue handling
Correct answer: To create a protective chromium oxide layer that resists corrosion
Passivation forms a chromium oxide layer on stainless steel surfaces, protecting against corrosion and staining during reprocessing.
Question 3: What type of forceps has platform tips used to grasp delicate tissue without crushing?
- Russian forceps
- Adson forceps
- DeBakey forceps (Correct answer)
- Allis forceps
Correct answer: DeBakey forceps
DeBakey forceps have a multi-row serrated platform tip that grips tissue securely with minimal trauma, commonly used in vascular and cardiovascular surgery.
Question 4: Why should dissimilar metals never be combined in the same sterilization load?
- They require different exposure times
- Galvanic corrosion can occur when dissimilar metals contact each other in steam sterilization (Correct answer)
- Different metals require different detergents
- It is only a regulatory requirement, not a clinical concern
Correct answer: Galvanic corrosion can occur when dissimilar metals contact each other in steam sterilization
When dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of moisture and heat, galvanic corrosion can occur, damaging instrument surfaces and reducing lifespan.
Question 5: What is the function of a 'ratchet' on locking surgical instruments such as clamps?
- To allow continuous rotation of the instrument
- To lock the instrument at a set clamping pressure without requiring continuous hand pressure (Correct answer)
- To provide a grip for the surgeon's hand
- To indicate the jaw size of the instrument
Correct answer: To lock the instrument at a set clamping pressure without requiring continuous hand pressure
The ratchet mechanism locks locking instruments (clamps, needle holders) at a set position, allowing the surgeon to release hand pressure while maintaining grip.
Question 6: Which instrument is specifically designed to cut and ligate tissue simultaneously?
- Metzenbaum scissors
- Kocher forceps
- Ligating and dividing stapler (LDS) (Correct answer)
- Bookwalter retractor
Correct answer: Ligating and dividing stapler (LDS)
A ligating and dividing stapler simultaneously applies two rows of staples and cuts between them, ligating and dividing tissue in one motion.
IAHCSMM Surgical Instrument Identification & Care 2
What material is most commonly used in the manufacturing of surgical instruments?