Surgical site infections and instrument failures are largely prevented by the technician long before the first incision. Expect questions on why each aseptic step exists, not just its order.
3 sample Surgical Nursing questions
Try each one before opening the answer. These come straight from the VetTech Pro question bank.
Question 1. What is the difference between sterilization and disinfection?
ASterilization destroys all microorganisms including spores; disinfection only reduces them
BThey are interchangeable terms, differing only in whether heat or chemicals are used
CDisinfection destroys bacterial spores as well; sterilization kills only vegetative organisms
DSterilization applies only to instruments, and disinfection only to surfaces
Show answer and rationale
Answer: A. Sterilization destroys all microorganisms including spores; disinfection only reduces them
The distinction is bacterial spores, which survive most disinfectants. Anything entering sterile tissue must be sterilized, not merely disinfected, which is why a surgical instrument cannot simply be wiped with alcohol between patients.
Question 2. How are Mayo and Metzenbaum scissors distinguished and used?
AMayo are used only for cutting suture; Metzenbaum are used for dense fascia
BMayo are heavier for dense tissue; Metzenbaum are finer for delicate dissection
CMetzenbaum are heavier for dense tissue; Mayo are finer for delicate dissection
DThey are identical in design, differing only in manufacturer and length
Show answer and rationale
Answer: B. Mayo are heavier for dense tissue; Metzenbaum are finer for delicate dissection
The long shanks and short fine blades of Metzenbaum scissors suit blunt dissection of soft tissue. Using them to cut suture or fascia blunts them quickly, which is why a separate pair of suture scissors belongs in every pack.
Question 3. Which hemostat is the smallest and most delicate, suitable for fine vessels?
ARochester-Ochsner forceps
BKelly forceps
CHalsted mosquito forceps
DRochester-Carmalt forceps
Show answer and rationale
Answer: C. Halsted mosquito forceps
Mosquito forceps are short with fine transversely serrated tips for small bleeders. Carmalt forceps, by contrast, have longitudinal grooves and are used for crushing large pedicles such as an ovarian or uterine stump.
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