Question 1

During the case, instruments should be wiped clean or placed in a soaking basin containing:

Accepted Answer

The instruments should be soaked in sterile water to ensure that they are not contaminated. Tap water may contain bacteria, and hydrogen peroxide can damage the instruments. Saline is not necessary for disinfecting instruments.

Question 2

Tissue, blood, or debris on instruments is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

The term used to describe tissue, blood, or debris on instruments is bioburden.

Question 3

Most surgical instruments are made of:

Accepted Answer

Stainless steel is the most common material used for surgical instruments as it is durable, resistant to corrosion, and easily sterilized. Bronze, titanium, and aluminum are not commonly used due to their inferior properties or higher cost.

Question 4

A black finish on an instrument makes it safer to use with:

Accepted Answer

A black finish on an instrument reduces glare, which is particularly beneficial when using lasers. This minimizes the risk of reflective accidents, making it safer to use.

Question 5

Instruments that are used to remove fluid, blood and debris from the surgical site are classified as:

Accepted Answer

Suctioning and aspirating instruments are specifically designed to remove fluid, blood, and debris from the surgical site, while the other options do not serve this purpose. Probing and dilating instruments are used to explore and widen a passage, such as a duct or canal. Clamping and occluding instruments are used to control bleeding by compressing blood vessels, whereas retracting and exposing instruments are used to hold tissue or organs out of the way to expose the surgical site.

Question 6

When cleaning up after a case, heavy instruments should never be placed:

Accepted Answer

Heavy instruments should never be placed on top of more delicate instruments to avoid damage.

Question 7

The most common method of sterilization is:

Accepted Answer

Steam under pressure, also known as autoclaving, is the most common and effective method of sterilization. It is able to kill a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores. Autoclaving uses high-pressure steam to create extreme temperatures that exceed the boiling point of water, which destroys the microorganisms. Immediate use and cold chemical sterilization are not as effective, and radiation is not as commonly used in medical settings.

Question 8

When setting up your sterile field, where should you place the basins and medicine cups ?

Accepted Answer

Placing basins and medicine cups near the edge of the table allows the circulator to pour fluids without reaching over the sterile field, minimizing the risk of contamination.

Question 9

A camera would fall into which classification of instruments?

Accepted Answer

A camera is a viewing instrument, as it allows the user to see and capture images or videos of a particular subject.

Question 10

You are scrubbed on an exploratory laparotomy. When should you ask for your dressing material?

Accepted Answer

Dressing material should only be requested at the end of the case, when the surgeon is ready to close the incision. Otherwise, the sterile field can be compromised and increase the risk of infection.

Question 11

You are scrubbed on a total hip and one of the implants get contaminated. The circulator goes out to look for another one and comes back saying that is the last one of that size that they have available in the OR. What do you do?

Accepted Answer

Sterilizing the implant using immediate use sterilization is the only option to continue the surgery. However, using a biological monitoring device in the pan will ensure that the sterilization process was effective and that any potential contamination has been eliminated. Immediate use sterilization with indicator tape is not sufficient to ensure sterilization and should not be relied upon in this situation. Using a different size implant may not be possible or may not provide the best fit for the patient's anatomy.

Question 12

You are setting up a case and notice the blades on the Metzenbaum scissors are slightly misaligned. What do you do?

Accepted Answer

Any instrument that is not functioning properly should be removed and replaced immediately as it can compromise patient safety. A slight misalignment on the blades of the Metzenbaum scissors can lead to tissue damage or ineffective cuts. It is the responsibility of the surgical team to ensure that all instruments are functioning properly and to advocate for patient safety.

Question 13

A Dynamic Air Removal sterilizer is more commonly known as a:

Accepted Answer

A Dynamic Air Removal sterilizer is commonly known as a Prevacuum sterilizer. This type of sterilizer uses a vacuum pump to remove air from the chamber and the materials being sterilized, ensuring thorough sterilization of the items. Flash sterilizers, Gravity displacement sterilizers, and Immediate Use sterilizers are different types of sterilizers with unique features and functions.

Question 14

You are scrubbed on a laparoscopic appendectomy. Which instrument would NOT be placed on your Mayo stand to begin the case, due to limited space?

Accepted Answer

Laparoscopic appendectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that requires specialized instruments, including trocars for access and a superficial retractor to hold open the incision site. However, due to limited space on the Mayo stand, the deep retractor may not be included to start the case. The scalpel handle with blade is necessary to make the initial incision for trocar insertion.

Question 15

When using glutaraldehyde to sterilize an instrument, the instruments must soak in it for ______________ to be deemed sterile.

Accepted Answer

Glutaraldehyde requires a soaking time of 10 hours to achieve sterilization of instruments.

Question 16

Which part of the instrument that determines the overall length of the instrument?

Accepted Answer

The shank determines the overall length of an instrument. The other parts listed (screw joint, blade, and tip) may affect the functionality of the instrument but do not determine its overall length.

Question 17

Forceps consist of __________ parts.

Accepted Answer

Forceps consist of 5 parts: handles, joint, box lock, beak, and tips.

Question 18

Cold or chemical sterilization is not recommended for instruments with:

Accepted Answer

Tungsten carbide tips can become damaged or corroded in cold or chemical sterilization, so another method (such as heat sterilization) is recommended for these instruments. Stainless steel shanks and tips, as well as supercut blades, are typically safe to sterilize using cold or chemical methods.

Question 19

Another name for the boxlock is:

Accepted Answer

The boxlock is also known as a hinge joint, as this is the mechanism that allows the gun to open for loading and unloading.

Question 20

You are assigned to scrub a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. When should you begin to set up your sterile field?

Accepted Answer

The sterile field should be set up as close to the start of the case as possible to minimize the risk of contamination. Setting up too early increases the chance of airborne particles settling on the sterile field. Covering it with a sterile sheet does not fully prevent contamination. Three hours prior to the case is too early and unnecessary.

Quiz 1: Instruments, Care of Instruments, Set-Up Guidelines