Test Bank –
Differentiating Surgical Instruments,
By Rutherford
4th edition
,TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Instruments, Care of Instruments, and Setup Guidelines
2. General Instruments
3. Laparoscopic Instruments
4. Robotic Instruments
5. OB-GYN Instruments
6. Urology Instruments
7. Orthopedic Instruments
8. Neurosurgical Instruments
9. Vascular, Thoracic, and Cardiac Instruments
10. Ear, Nose, and Throat Instruments
11. Dental and Maxillofacial Instruments
12. Ophthalmic Instruments
13. Plastic Surgery Instruments
,CHAPTER 1: Instruments, Care of Instruments, and Setup Guidelines
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of the
decontamination area in the sterile processing department?
A) Sterilizing instruments using steam under pressure
B) Removing gross soil and organic material from instruments
C) Inspecting instruments for defects before surgery
D) Assembling instrument trays for specific procedures
Answer: B
Rationale: The decontamination area is specifically designed for the
removal of gross soil, blood, and organic debris from instruments.
Sterilization occurs in a separate area, inspection happens after
cleaning, and assembly takes place in the clean side of the department.
2. What is the recommended pH range for enzymatic detergents used
in instrument cleaning?
A) 2.0–4.0
B) 5.0–6.0
C) 7.0–8.5
D) 10.0–12.0
Answer: C
Rationale: Enzymatic detergents are most effective at a neutral to
slightly alkaline pH range of 7.0–8.5. This range allows the enzymes to
break down protein, fat, and carbohydrate residues without damaging
the instruments. Highly acidic or alkaline solutions can corrode
instrument surfaces.
, 3. Which instrument finish reduces glare under surgical lighting?
A) Mirror finish
B) Satin (matte) finish
C) Ebonized finish
D) Polished finish
Answer: B
Rationale: A satin or matte finish diffuses light and reduces glare under
the bright surgical lights, making it easier for the surgeon to visualize
the surgical field. Mirror and polished finishes reflect light, while
ebonized finishes are black and used primarily in laser surgery to
prevent laser reflection.
4. When setting up a back table, instruments should be arranged
according to:
A) Alphabetical order of instrument names
B) The order of use during the procedure
C) Size from smallest to largest
D) The preference of the sterile processing technician
Answer: B
Rationale: Instruments on the back table should be arranged in the
order of anticipated use during the procedure. This promotes efficiency
and allows the surgical technologist to anticipate the surgeon's needs.
The setup follows the sequence of the surgical procedure.
5. What is the purpose of instrument milk or lubricant applied during
instrument processing?
A) To sterilize the instruments
B) To sharpen cutting edges
Differentiating Surgical Instruments,
By Rutherford
4th edition
,TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Instruments, Care of Instruments, and Setup Guidelines
2. General Instruments
3. Laparoscopic Instruments
4. Robotic Instruments
5. OB-GYN Instruments
6. Urology Instruments
7. Orthopedic Instruments
8. Neurosurgical Instruments
9. Vascular, Thoracic, and Cardiac Instruments
10. Ear, Nose, and Throat Instruments
11. Dental and Maxillofacial Instruments
12. Ophthalmic Instruments
13. Plastic Surgery Instruments
,CHAPTER 1: Instruments, Care of Instruments, and Setup Guidelines
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of the
decontamination area in the sterile processing department?
A) Sterilizing instruments using steam under pressure
B) Removing gross soil and organic material from instruments
C) Inspecting instruments for defects before surgery
D) Assembling instrument trays for specific procedures
Answer: B
Rationale: The decontamination area is specifically designed for the
removal of gross soil, blood, and organic debris from instruments.
Sterilization occurs in a separate area, inspection happens after
cleaning, and assembly takes place in the clean side of the department.
2. What is the recommended pH range for enzymatic detergents used
in instrument cleaning?
A) 2.0–4.0
B) 5.0–6.0
C) 7.0–8.5
D) 10.0–12.0
Answer: C
Rationale: Enzymatic detergents are most effective at a neutral to
slightly alkaline pH range of 7.0–8.5. This range allows the enzymes to
break down protein, fat, and carbohydrate residues without damaging
the instruments. Highly acidic or alkaline solutions can corrode
instrument surfaces.
, 3. Which instrument finish reduces glare under surgical lighting?
A) Mirror finish
B) Satin (matte) finish
C) Ebonized finish
D) Polished finish
Answer: B
Rationale: A satin or matte finish diffuses light and reduces glare under
the bright surgical lights, making it easier for the surgeon to visualize
the surgical field. Mirror and polished finishes reflect light, while
ebonized finishes are black and used primarily in laser surgery to
prevent laser reflection.
4. When setting up a back table, instruments should be arranged
according to:
A) Alphabetical order of instrument names
B) The order of use during the procedure
C) Size from smallest to largest
D) The preference of the sterile processing technician
Answer: B
Rationale: Instruments on the back table should be arranged in the
order of anticipated use during the procedure. This promotes efficiency
and allows the surgical technologist to anticipate the surgeon's needs.
The setup follows the sequence of the surgical procedure.
5. What is the purpose of instrument milk or lubricant applied during
instrument processing?
A) To sterilize the instruments
B) To sharpen cutting edges
