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Surgical Instrument Identification & Care Flashcards

6 cards from real IAHCSMM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Surgical Instrument Identification & Care flashcards as text

  1. What is a 'set' in the context of surgical instrument management?

    Answer: A predefined, standardized collection of instruments assembled and sterilized as a unit for a specific procedure

    A surgical set (tray) is a standardized, predefined collection of instruments assembled according to a count sheet for a specific type of surgical procedure.

  2. Why must instruments with box locks be opened during sterilization?

    Answer: To allow steam to contact all metal surfaces, including the box lock and interior of the jaws

    Steam must contact all instrument surfaces to achieve sterilization; closed box locks create a dead space that prevents steam from reaching interior metal surfaces.

  3. What does 'tip protectors' or 'tip guards' provide for delicate surgical instruments?

    Answer: Protection for instrument tips from bending or contact damage during storage and transport

    Tip guards protect delicate instrument tips (e.g., microsurgical scissors, ophthalmic instruments) from damage during handling, transport, and storage.

  4. When should instrument count sheets be updated?

    Answer: Whenever instruments are added, removed, or substituted in a set

    Count sheets must be kept current to reflect the exact contents of each instrument set, ensuring accurate counts and patient safety in the OR.

  5. What is the significance of the term 'biofilm' in relation to surgical instrument reprocessing?

    Answer: A thin layer of polymers and microorganisms that adheres to surfaces and resists standard cleaning and disinfection

    Biofilm is a structured microbial community encased in a protective matrix that adheres strongly to surfaces and significantly resists disinfection and sterilization.

  6. What is the recommended method for drying instruments after manual cleaning?

    Answer: Compressed air blown through all surfaces, followed by drying with a lint-free cloth or instrument dryer

    Instruments should be dried using filtered compressed air for lumens and a lint-free cloth or instrument dryer for surfaces to prevent water spotting and corrosion.