Instrument Identification & Passing Flashcards

When passing a needle holder to the surgeon, the first assistant should present it:

Answer: In the closed, locked position with the needle loaded and tips pointing down

The needle holder is passed locked, loaded, and tips-down so the surgeon can immediately grasp it in proper working position.

Which instrument is specifically designed to grasp delicate tissue without crushing?

Answer: DeBakey forceps

DeBakey forceps have fine, atraumatic serrations that grip tissue gently without causing crush injury.

A Weitlaner retractor differs from a Gelpi retractor primarily in that it:

Answer: Has blunt rather than sharp prongs and a ratchet locking mechanism

The Weitlaner is a self-retaining retractor with a ratchet lock and typically has blunt prongs, while the Gelpi has sharp single prongs.

The correct technique for passing a scalpel to the surgeon is:

Answer: Handle-first in the neutral zone or by passing handle-first directly

AORN safety guidelines require scalpels to be passed handle-first or via a neutral/hands-free zone to prevent sharps injuries.

A Metzenbaum scissors is most appropriately used for:

Answer: Dissecting delicate tissue and cutting fine structures

Metzenbaum scissors have long, slender blades ideal for fine tissue dissection rather than cutting suture or heavy material.

Which clamp is BEST suited for occluding a large blood vessel during vascular surgery?

Answer: Satinsky (partial-occlusion) clamp

The Satinsky clamp allows partial occlusion of a large vessel without fully stopping flow, making it ideal for vascular anastomosis.

When the surgeon requests a 'right angle' instrument, the first assistant should pass a:

Answer: Mixter (right-angle) clamp

The Mixter clamp, also called a right-angle clamp, has jaws bent at 90° for passing ligatures around vessels or ducts.