Instrument Identification & Passing Flashcards
7 cards from real CFA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Instrument Identification & Passing flashcards as text
A Penrose drain is distinguished from a Jackson-Pratt drain in that a Penrose drain:
Answer: Is a passive, soft latex tube that drains by gravity and capillary action
A Penrose drain is a passive soft rubber tube relying on gravity and capillary action, while a Jackson-Pratt uses active negative-pressure suction.
When identifying a Senn retractor, which feature is most distinctive?
Answer: A double-ended design with a rake (sharp prongs) on one end and a right-angle blade on the other
The Senn retractor is double-ended with a three-pronged rake on one end and a right-angle flat blade on the other, offering two retraction options.
What instrument is used to hold the sternum open during cardiac surgery?
Answer: Finochietto rib spreader
The Finochietto retractor (rib/sternal spreader) is the standard self-retaining instrument used to keep the sternum spread open during cardiac procedures.
A Kocher clamp (Ochsner) is identified by:
Answer: Heavy serrated jaws with a single interdigitating tooth at the tip
The Kocher clamp has heavy transverse serrations and one tooth at the tip that interlocks, providing a very secure grip on heavy tissue.
During laparoscopic surgery, the first assistant passes a trocar to the surgeon. The correct sequence is:
Answer: Pass the assembled trocar with the obturator inside, removing the obturator after insertion
Trocars are passed pre-assembled with the obturator inside to allow a single smooth insertion; the obturator is then removed once the trocar is in place.
Which instrument is specifically designed for approximating (bringing together) wound edges during skin closure?
Answer: Adson-Brown forceps
Adson-Brown forceps have fine teeth that gently grasp delicate skin edges to approximate them during closure without causing excessive trauma.
When should the first assistant verify instrument and sponge counts with the scrub technician?
Answer: Before incision, before closing a cavity, and at final skin closure
Standard surgical count protocol requires counts before incision, before closing any body cavity, and at final skin closure to ensure nothing is retained.