Surgical Instrumentation Flashcards

What is the most critical first step in processing surgical instruments immediately after a procedure?

Answer: Perform point-of-use pre-cleaning to prevent soil from drying

Point-of-use pre-cleaning (wiping or rinsing instruments immediately after use) prevents blood and tissue from drying and hardening, which significantly complicates cleaning and can damage instrument surfaces.

What type of lubricant is appropriate for use on surgical instruments after cleaning?

Answer: Water-soluble instrument milk or lubricant

Only water-soluble instrument lubricants (instrument milk) should be used because petroleum-based products form a barrier that prevents steam penetration and interferes with effective sterilization.

Pitting corrosion on surgical instruments is most commonly caused by:

Answer: Contact with chloride-containing solutions such as saline or blood left on surfaces

Chlorides in blood, saline, and some cleaning solutions attack the protective passive film on stainless steel, creating small pits that grow and weaken the instrument over time.

What is the correct method for testing surgical scissors for proper sharpness and alignment?

Answer: Attempt to cut through dry gauze along the full blade length and check for smooth, snag-free cutting

Scissors should cut smoothly through dry gauze along the entire blade length without snagging, dragging, or pushing; any resistance indicates a sharpening or alignment problem.

The 'passive film' on stainless steel surgical instruments provides corrosion resistance because it consists of:

Answer: A chromium oxide layer that forms naturally on the surface

Stainless steel's corrosion resistance depends on a thin, self-regenerating chromium oxide passive film; damage to this layer (by chlorides, scratches, or harsh cleaners) allows rust and corrosion to develop.

An instrument should be removed from service and sent for repair or disposal when:

Answer: Inspection reveals cracks, broken tips, misalignment, or functional failure

Retirement decisions are based on the instrument's physical condition and function, not time or cycle count; defects such as cracks, broken tips, or misalignment compromise patient safety.

During steam sterilization, hinged instruments such as scissors and clamps must be positioned:

Answer: Open so steam can contact and penetrate all internal surfaces including the box lock

Hinged instruments must be placed in the open (unlocked) position so steam can reach all surfaces, particularly the box lock, where residual soil and trapped air can prevent sterilization.