IAHCSMM Surgical Instrument Identification & Care 2

Question 1

What material is most commonly used in the manufacturing of surgical instruments?

Accepted Answer

Stainless steel (typically 300 and 400 series)

Answer

Carbon steel

Answer

Titanium

Answer

Aluminum

Question 2

What is the purpose of passivation of stainless steel instruments?

Accepted Answer

To create a protective chromium oxide layer that resists corrosion

Answer

To sharpen cutting edges

Answer

To sterilize instruments with a chemical bath

Answer

To add a non-stick coating for tissue handling

Question 3

What type of forceps has platform tips used to grasp delicate tissue without crushing?

Accepted Answer

DeBakey forceps

Answer

Russian forceps

Answer

Adson forceps

Answer

Allis forceps

Question 4

Why should dissimilar metals never be combined in the same sterilization load?

Accepted Answer

Galvanic corrosion can occur when dissimilar metals contact each other in steam sterilization

Answer

They require different exposure times

Answer

Different metals require different detergents

Answer

It is only a regulatory requirement, not a clinical concern

Question 5

What is the function of a 'ratchet' on locking surgical instruments such as clamps?

Accepted Answer

To lock the instrument at a set clamping pressure without requiring continuous hand pressure

Answer

To allow continuous rotation of the instrument

Answer

To provide a grip for the surgeon's hand

Answer

To indicate the jaw size of the instrument

Question 6

Which instrument is specifically designed to cut and ligate tissue simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Ligating and dividing stapler (LDS)

Answer

Metzenbaum scissors

Answer

Kocher forceps

Answer

Bookwalter retractor