Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Veterinary Nursing VN06 > Common surgical instruments > Flashcards

Common surgical instruments Flashcards

1
Q

What are scalpel blades used for?

A

For surgical incision, allowing for effective first intention healing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the different sizes of scalpel handles?

A

Handles may be 3 filament or 4 filament

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What size blades does a 3 filament scalpel handle fit?

A

Sizes 10, 11, 12, and 15

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What size blades does a 4 filament scalpel handle fit?

A

Sizes 20-25

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is specific about a size 11 blade?

A

It is a tenotomy blade, specifically for surgical division of a tendon

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are some types of surgical scissors?

A

Mayos, Metzenbaums, dissecting, Vigo

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Describe Mayo scissors

A

Used for blunt dissection of fibrous tissue such as muscle. They may be curved or straight

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Describe Metzenbaum scissors

A

Used for dissection of delicate tissue. May be curved or straight

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Describe dissecting scissors

A

Have a sharp, pointed end.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are strabismus scissors?

A

A type of ophthalmic scissors with a sharp pointed end

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Define STRABISMUS

A

A condition in which the eyes do not properly align with one another when looking at an object

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Describe Vigo scissors

A

These have one blunt and one sharp end

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How many types of non-surgical scissors are there?

A

There are 6 types of non surgical scissors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

List the types of non surgical scissors

A

Heaths, Littaeur, nursing, Lister, Carless, Paynes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Describe Heath’s suture scissors

A

Non surgical scissors for stitch cutting or removing sutures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Describe Littauer scissors

A

Non surgical scissors for suture removal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Describe general nursing scissors

A

General nursing scissors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Describe Lister bandaging scissors

A

None surgical scissors. Have a bulge on one end specifically designed for cutting through layers of bandage

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Describe Carless scissors

A

Non surgical scissors for suture removal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Describe Payne’s scissors

A

Non surgical scissors for suture removal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the function of tissue forceps?

A

To hold tissue out of the way, e.g. during abdominal surgery. They are designed to act with minimal trauma to tissue

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are the two main types of tissue forceps?

A

Babcock tissue forceps and Allis tissue forceps

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Describe Allis tissue forceps

A

Tissue forceps that have two slightly serrated jaws that come together completely

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Describe Babcock tissue forceps

A

Tissue forceps that are atraumatic - they do not have teeth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is the function of dissecting forceps?

A

Used to pick up tissue, often in combination with a needle when stitching. They have spring action and may be plain (atraumatic) or rat toothed (traumatic)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

How should dissecting forceps be held?

A

Like a pencil

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is the difference between rat tooth and plain dissecting forceps?

A

A rat tooth end is traumatic whereas a plain end is atraumatic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What are the different types of dissecting forceps?

A

Lanes, Treves, Bendovers, DeBakeys, Adson Browns

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Describe Lanes forceps

A

Usually used during robust dissection. Have a serrated end to provide good grip

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Describe Treves forceps

A

Treves Dissecting Forceps are versatile surgical instruments used primarily for tissue manipulation and delicate dissection in various surgical procedures. They are characterised by their fine, pointed tips and serrated jaws, making them suitable for precise and controlled tasks.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Describe Bendovers forceps

A

Dissecting forceps that have a completely smooth, rounded end

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Describe DeBakey forceps

A

These never have a rat tooth, and are therefore very atraumatic. Usually longer than other types of dissecting forceps and used for vascular surgeries

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Describe Adson Brownes forceps

A

Used for holding very delicate structures. Has a very tapered end (looks like a bottle nose dolphin). The blades may be rat tooth or plain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What is the function of spay forceps and hooks?

A

Both used for holding the uterus during an ovariohysterectomy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Describe spay forceps

A

Long forceps, with a narrow end that ends in a point. Used for holding the uterus during an ovariohysterectomy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Describe spay hooks

A

A round end hook at the end of a straight, stainless steel bar. Used to hold the uterus during an ovariohysterectomy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What is the function of haemostat forceps?

A

Used to stop bleeding by clamping blood vessels closed. May be straight or curved and vary in size - type of forceps needed changes depending on the anatomy being worked on

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What are some types of haemostat forceps?

A

Spencer Wells, Angiotribes, Rochester Peans, Kocher-Ochsners

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Describe Spencer Wells forceps

A

Haemostat forceps. They have short, serrated jaws capable of totally sealing small blood vessels.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Describe Rochester Pean forceps

A

Haemostat forceps. Used for clamping and controlling large vessels. Can also be used for intestinal clamps

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Describe Angiotribe forceps

A

Haemostat forceps - they are very clunky with a straight end. Used for very dense tissue

42
Q

Describe Kocher-Ochsner forceps

A

Haemostat forceps - they are part of the Rocester family, and are used for medium to heavy tissue. They have a rat tooth and may be curved or straight

43
Q

What is the function of bowel clamps?

A

Used to clamp off areas of intestines without damaging the tissue.

44
Q

Describe Doyen bowel clamps

A

Bowel clamps - atraumatic. Smooth bladed forceps that can accommodate a wide range of tissue. They have a large gap when opened.

45
Q

What are the key types of aural forceps?

A

Matthews aural forceps
Swiss pattern forceps

46
Q

Describe Matthew’s aural forceps

A

These open only right at the end of the instrument and only one side of the set of teeth open.

47
Q

Describe Swiss pattern forceps

A

Aural forceps - both sides of the instrument move and they move from the box junction, rather than right at the end

48
Q

Describe oesophageal forceps. Name a key example

A

Similar to Matthews aural forceps however they have interchangeable ends
A key example is Jackson’s oesophageal forceps

49
Q

What is a key feature of iris forceps?

A

Have a finger spike to prevent over squeezing and trauma to delicate ophthalmic structures

50
Q

What are iris forceps

A

Smooth ended, curved forceps that are used specifically for ophthalmic procedures - useful for removing foreign objects from the surface of the eye. They look like a hockey stick and should be used point end away from the eye
Have a finger spike to prevent over squeezing

51
Q

What is the function of retractors?

A

For pushing tissue apart so tissue below can be more easily visualised. May be handheld or self retaining

52
Q

Describe Hohman’s retractors

A

These are orthopaedic, specifically intra articular. Handheld

53
Q

Describe Langenbeck retractors

A

Much larger than other retractors. L shaped. For soft tissue and fat pads etc. Handheld

54
Q

What are some examples of self retaining retractors?

A

Gelpis, Wests, Weislanders, Weitlaners, Travers, Balfours, Gosset, Finochietto

55
Q

Describe Gelpis

A

Self retaining retractors. Have a single sharp tooth. For muscle and join retraction

56
Q

Describe West retractors

A

Self retaining. They have 3 and 4 sharp tines

57
Q

Describe Weislander retractors

A

Self retaining. Have 3 and 4 blunt tines

58
Q

Describe Weitlander retractors

A

Self retaining. Have 2 and 3 tines, and may be blunt or sharp

59
Q

Describe Travers retractors

A

Self retaining. Have 4 and 5 tines, are always blunt so are atraumatic

60
Q

Describe Balfour retractors

A

Self retaining. Come in two sizes, and are used for opening and holding open abdominal spaces

61
Q

Describe Gosset retractors

A

Self retaining. For abdominal spaces

62
Q

Describe Finochietto retractors

A

Self retaining. For general use, can be used for holding open the chest/thorax

63
Q

What is the function of screw holding forceps?

A

They are used for holding screws for bone plates but have no individual names

64
Q

What is the function of needle holders?

A

To hold the needle when suturing

65
Q

What are the different types of needle holders?

A

Mayo Hagars, Olsen Hagars, Gillies, McPhails

66
Q

Describe Mayo Hagar needle holders

A

They are similar to artery forceps. They have a needle holding blade but no scissor blade

67
Q

Describe Olsen Hagar needle holders

A

Have a cutting edge but also have a ratchet in place

68
Q

Describe McPhails needle holders

A

Have a spring ratchet so squeezing results in the jaws opening

69
Q

Describe Gillies needle holders

A

Have a scissor action, but no ratchet so the needle must be held in place tightly

70
Q

What is the function of drape clips?

A

To hold the drapes in place - they have curved, pointed end which go through the drape and attach to the skin. Usually 6 of them in a pack for a four drape system

71
Q

What are the two types of towel clamps?

A

Backhaus towel clamps
Jones cross action

72
Q

What are some examples of dental instruments?

A

Periodontal probes, elevators (with different ends), extractors, dental burrs

73
Q

What are some examples of ancillary equipment for pin fixation?

A

Jacob’s chuck and key, pin introducers, Kirschner’s wire introducer, handheld air driven drill, drill bits

74
Q

What are some examples of general orthopaedic instruments?

A

Monofilament wire/circlage wage, wire twisters (used for specific situations, such as wiring mandibular symphysis fractures in cats), wire cutters, Fergurson bone holders, Burns bone holders, Lewin bone holders, Hey Groves bone holders

75
Q

What are the three types of bone plates?

A

Venables bone plates, Sherman bone plates, dynamic compression bone plates

76
Q

Describe a Venables bone plate

A

Straight sided with round holes - suit dogs of most sizes

77
Q

Describe a Sherman bone plate

A

Have round holes with wavy edges. Suit smaller animals such as cats, as it has less metal and is lighter

78
Q

Describe a dynamic compression bone plate

A

Have oval screw holes, used for pulling bone together quickly

79
Q

What are some examples of screws used with bone plates?

A

Sherman screws, cortical screws, cancellous screws

80
Q

Describe a Sherman bone screw

A

These can be used with both Venables and Sherman bone plates. They have flat heads, but are sharp and pointed, and are self tapping. The thread goes all the way to the top

81
Q

Describe a cortical bone screw

A

Always have the thread going the entire length of the screw. They are used for hard bone

82
Q

Describe a cancellous bone screw

A

These can have either a full or partial thread. They are used to hold much lighter, spongy bone, their thread is much deeper and better defined. They can have either hexagonal or pentagonal

83
Q

What is the ASIF technique?

A

Designed to compress the bone fragment together so they are much more stable. Dynamic compression plates are frequently used for this. The two screws nearest the fracture site are always put in first

84
Q

What are some examples of equipment required for the AO/ASIF technique?

A

T-handled bone tap
Countersink
Drill guide
Screw drivers

85
Q

What are the two sides of a fractured bone site?

A

A compression side, where the bone ends push down continuously
A distraction (or tension) side, which is the other side

86
Q

Which screws have better holding power?

A

Tapped screws, when compared with self tapping

87
Q

Describe a T-handled bone tap

A

These create holes for screws

88
Q

Describe a counter sink

A

Creates a divot in the bone for the head of the screw to sit in

89
Q

Describe a drill guide

A

Allows certain angles of hole to be created

90
Q

What is some general orthopaedic equipment?

A
  • Liston bone cutters
  • plate benders
  • depth gauge
  • tape sleeve/guard
  • Gigli wire
  • Gigli wire holder
  • Saterlee bone saw
  • Hacksaw
  • periosteal elevator
  • osteotome
  • chisel
  • Rongeurs
  • Volkmann’s scoop/curette
91
Q

What are plate benders used for?

A

Used to bend bone plates to form fit to long bone

92
Q

What is a depth gauge used for?

A

Measures the depth of drilled holes

93
Q

What is a tap sleeve/guard used for?

A

Stops bone taps from sliding over periosteum and causing trauma

94
Q

Define PERIOSTEUM

A

A membrane that covers the outer surface of all bones

95
Q

What is Gigli wire used for?

A

To cut (cheesewire) through bone

96
Q

How many Gigli wire holders are required?

A

Two - one at either end of the wire

97
Q

What is a periosteal elevator used for?

A

Used to lift periosteum and soft tissue from the surface of bone. The tips require protection and must be kept very sharp. May be single or double ended

98
Q

How would you tell the difference between a chisel and an osteotome?

A

A chisel has one bevelled edge, an osteotome has two. Both are used to cut bone

99
Q

What are Rongeurs used for?

A

To ‘nibble bone’

100
Q

What are the different types of Rongeurs?

A

Stille Luer, Lecksell, or Freidmann’s

Veterinary Nursing VN06 (16 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions