AORN Instrument Handling 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which instrument should be used to hold tissue without crushing it during delicate surgery?
- Kocher clamp
- Allis forceps
- DeBakey tissue forceps (Correct answer)
- Ochsner clamp
Correct answer: DeBakey tissue forceps
DeBakey tissue forceps have fine, atraumatic serrations that hold tissue gently without crushing, making them ideal for delicate tissue handling.
Question 2: When inspecting a needle holder before use, what defect would make it unsafe for suturing?
- Slight discoloration on the outer surface
- Worn or pitted jaws that do not hold the needle securely (Correct answer)
- A ratchet that clicks at both the first and second tooth
- Box lock that has minor surface oxidation
Correct answer: Worn or pitted jaws that do not hold the needle securely
Worn or pitted needle holder jaws fail to grip suture needles securely, increasing the risk of needle drops and patient injury.
Question 3: Which statement best describes the proper care of powered surgical instruments during a procedure?
- Submerge powered handpieces in saline to keep them clean
- Wipe powered handpieces with a damp sponge and avoid immersion (Correct answer)
- Run powered instruments at full speed between uses to clear debris
- Remove the battery or power cord when not in immediate use
Correct answer: Wipe powered handpieces with a damp sponge and avoid immersion
Powered handpieces should be wiped clean with a damp sponge but never submerged, as immersion damages internal components.
Question 4: What is the purpose of instrument tip protectors applied before sterilization?
- To retain moisture during the sterilization cycle
- To protect delicate tips from damage during transport and sterilization (Correct answer)
- To indicate the instrument has been previously sterilized
- To prevent instruments from contacting the sterilizer tray
Correct answer: To protect delicate tips from damage during transport and sterilization
Tip protectors shield instrument tips from damage caused by contact with other instruments during transport, handling, and sterilization.
Question 5: A scrub person notices that a ring-handled retractor is bent during a procedure. What is the appropriate action?
- Bend it back to the original shape and continue using it
- Inform the surgeon, remove the instrument from the sterile field, and replace it (Correct answer)
- Place a note on the instrument and return it to the sterile processing department after the case
- Continue using the instrument if the surgeon approves
Correct answer: Inform the surgeon, remove the instrument from the sterile field, and replace it
Damaged instruments should be removed from service immediately, documented, and replaced to ensure patient safety and instrument integrity.
Question 6: How should a scrub person handle an instrument dropped onto the sterile field but not off the field?
- Continue using it, as it remained on the sterile field
- Remove it from the sterile field and place it in the contaminated area (Correct answer)
- Wipe it with a sterile sponge soaked in normal saline and return it to use
- Pass it to the circulator for resterilization
Correct answer: Remove it from the sterile field and place it in the contaminated area
Any instrument whose sterility is questionable should be removed from the sterile field, as contamination risk cannot be confirmed visually.
Question 7: Which AORN-recommended practice reduces instrument-related musculoskeletal injuries for the scrub person?
- Holding all instruments at arm's length away from the body
- Using proper body mechanics and organizing the back table ergonomically (Correct answer)
- Passing all heavy instruments two-handed regardless of technique
- Keeping the back table at waist level regardless of individual height
Correct answer: Using proper body mechanics and organizing the back table ergonomically
Organizing the back table ergonomically and using proper body mechanics reduces repetitive strain and musculoskeletal injuries in scrub personnel.
AORN Instrument Handling 3
Which instrument should be used to hold tissue without crushing it during delicate surgery?