NBSTSA Surgical Instrumentation and Equipment 3

Question 1

Which instrument is used to clamp, ligate, and divide tubular structures such as vessels and the cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Accepted Answer

Laparoscopic clip applier

Answer

EndoGIA stapler

Answer

Harmonic scalpel

Answer

Maryland dissector

Question 2

The Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain functions as which type of drain?

Accepted Answer

Active closed-suction drain using a collapsible bulb reservoir

Answer

Passive open drain using gravity

Answer

Sump drain with continuous wall suction

Answer

A wick drain for superficial wound drainage

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the proper care of microsurgical instruments?

Accepted Answer

They must be kept separate, handled with extreme care, and never allowed to contact other instruments during processing

Answer

They can be processed with standard instrument sets using normal ultrasonic cleaning

Answer

They require dry-heat sterilization exclusively to protect fine tips

Answer

They should be soaked in saline between uses during a procedure to prevent tip damage

Question 4

During a surgical count, which items are included in the AORN-recommended count protocol?

Accepted Answer

Sponges, sharps, instruments, and miscellaneous items such as vessel loops and bulldogs

Answer

Sponges only

Answer

Sponges, sharps, and instruments

Answer

Sharps and instruments only — sponges are tracked by the circulator separately

Question 5

A right-angle (Mixter) clamp is primarily used for which purpose?

Accepted Answer

Passing a ligature or dissecting around tubular structures at a right angle

Answer

Clamping and occluding major arterial vessels

Answer

Retracting deep tissue in abdominal surgery

Answer

Holding the bowel during resection and anastomosis

Question 6

When assembling a laparoscopic instrument set, the scrub should verify trocar integrity by checking:

Accepted Answer

That the obturator fits securely and the stopcock valve moves freely without leaking

Answer

Only that the outer sheath diameter matches the surgeon's preference

Answer

The color coding of the trocar to match the case cart label

Answer

That the trocar has been pre-lubricated with mineral oil for smooth insertion

Question 7

Which of the following describes the correct handling of an instrument with a box lock that is difficult to open?

Accepted Answer

Send the instrument back to sterile processing for lubrication and repair before use

Answer

Apply extra force using a second instrument to pry the box lock open

Answer

Soak the instrument in sterile water to loosen the joint and use as needed

Answer

Use the instrument as-is, as minor stiffness does not affect function