Surgical Instrumentation Flashcards
7 cards from real CRCST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Surgical Instrumentation flashcards as text
What is the primary function of a hemostat in surgery?
Answer: To clamp blood vessels and control bleeding
Hemostats are clamping instruments specifically designed to compress blood vessels and control hemorrhage during surgical procedures.
Which scissors are heavier and primarily used for cutting tough tissue such as fascia?
Answer: Mayo scissors
Mayo scissors are heavier and more robust, designed for cutting tough tissue like fascia, while Metzenbaum scissors are lighter and used for delicate tissue dissection.
What is the distinguishing feature of a self-retaining retractor compared to a hand-held retractor?
Answer: It maintains tissue retraction without requiring manual support
Self-retaining retractors have a locking or ratchet mechanism that holds them open without requiring an assistant to hold them, freeing the surgical team's hands.
The term 'atraumatic' when describing surgical forceps means the instrument is designed to:
Answer: Grip tissue without causing damage or puncture wounds
Atraumatic forceps have smooth or specially contoured tips that grip tissue gently without causing tearing, crushing, or puncture wounds.
What is the purpose of the ratchet mechanism on locking clamps such as hemostats?
Answer: To lock the clamp at varying degrees of closure without manual effort
The ratchet allows the clamp to be locked at different positions of closure, maintaining clamping pressure on a vessel or tissue without requiring the surgeon to hold it continuously.
The 'box lock' on a hinged surgical instrument refers to:
Answer: The pivot point where the two shanks of a hinged instrument intersect
The box lock is the pivot joint where the two halves of hinged instruments (scissors, clamps) intersect and articulate; its integrity is critical to proper instrument function.
Which of the following instruments features ring handles that allow the user to insert fingers for control?
Answer: Hemostat
Hemostats, scissors, and needle holders feature ring handles designed to accommodate the surgeon's thumb and finger(s), providing precise control during use.