MDRAO Instrument Identification 2

Question 1

What is the function of a haemostat (artery forceps) in surgical procedures, and how should it be inspected during CSSD assembly?

Accepted Answer

A haemostat clamps blood vessels to control bleeding; inspect by verifying the box lock functions smoothly, ratchet engages at all positions, and jaws align evenly when closed

Answer

A haemostat cuts tissue; inspect by testing cutting edge sharpness

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A haemostat suctions blood from the surgical field; inspect the suction port for patency

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A haemostat retracts tissue to expose the surgical site; inspect for bend deformities

Question 2

How do needle holders differ from haemostats in design and function, and what specific inspection is required for needle holders?

Accepted Answer

Needle holders have specially hardened, often cross-hatched or insert-style jaw faces designed to grip suture needles without rotation; inspection must include checking jaw face inserts for wear, cracks, or looseness

Answer

Needle holders are longer than haemostats and used for tissue retraction; inspect for length uniformity

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Needle holders are identical to haemostats and require the same inspection protocol only

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Needle holders have smooth jaws and are used for delicate vascular work; inspect jaw smoothness

Question 3

What is the difference between tissue forceps and dressing forceps, and how can CSSD technicians distinguish them?

Accepted Answer

Tissue forceps have interlocking teeth at the jaw tips (rat-tooth or mouse-tooth pattern) for gripping tissue; dressing forceps have smooth or serrated jaws for handling dressings and packing materials without teeth

Answer

Tissue forceps are longer; dressing forceps are shorter — identified by length only

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Tissue forceps are metal; dressing forceps are plastic — material distinguishes them

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Tissue forceps have ratchets; dressing forceps do not — the ratchet is the distinguishing feature

Question 4

What is a retractor, and why do retractors require special attention during the inspection phase of instrument reprocessing?

Accepted Answer

A retractor holds tissue or organs aside to maintain surgical exposure; inspect for deformities, cracks, sharp edges from bending, and ensure all moveable components (self-retaining retractors) function correctly

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A retractor is a cutting instrument requiring edge sharpness testing; inspect the blade edge for nicks

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A retractor is a suction device requiring lumen patency testing; inspect the suction channel

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A retractor is a heating instrument; inspect the power cord and heating element

Question 5

What instrument is described as 'sponge-holding forceps' or 'ring forceps,' and what is their primary surgical use?

Accepted Answer

Foerster (sponge) forceps — ring-tipped graspers with serrated rings used to hold sponges/gauze for wound cleaning, draping, or application of solutions, and also used as general tissue graspers

Answer

Allis tissue forceps — serrated jaw graspers used to hold delicate tissue for anastomosis

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Rochester-Carmalt forceps — long-jawed clamps used for clamping large vascular pedicles

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DeBakey forceps — atraumatic vascular forceps for handling vessel walls

Question 6

How does a bone rongeur differ from other surgical instruments in function and in its reprocessing requirements?

Accepted Answer

A bone rongeur is a heavy-duty, spring-loaded biting instrument designed to cut and remove bone; it requires inspection of the cutting cups for alignment and sharpness, spring tension, and the pivot mechanism, plus careful cleaning of the cutting cup junction where bone fragments accumulate

Answer

A bone rongeur is identical to standard scissors and requires only the standard scissors inspection protocol

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A bone rongeur is a retractor used in orthopaedic surgery; inspect for deformation

Answer

A bone rongeur is a suture-cutting device requiring blade sharpness testing only