Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What type of bronchoscope is rigid and often used in certain surgical procedures?

1. Flexible bronchoscope

2. Optical bronchoscope

3. Rigid bronchoscope

4. Video bronchoscope

The correct answer is: Rigid bronchoscope

The rigid bronchoscope is characterized by its inflexible, tubular design, which distinguishes it from other types of bronchoscopes. It is often employed in specific surgical procedures due to its ability to provide a larger and directly visual field, allowing for the performance of certain interventions, such as the removal of foreign bodies or the management of airway obstructions. The rigidity of the instrument also affords increased stability and control during surgical manipulations. In contrast, the flexible bronchoscope, while versatile and beneficial for diagnostic procedures and some therapeutic interventions, does not possess the same level of rigidity and is therefore not suited for all surgical applications. The optical bronchoscope, which typically refers to instruments designed for direct visualization, lacks the necessary structural characteristics of a rigid bronchoscope. Meanwhile, video bronchoscopes use cameras for visualization and can be either flexible or rigid, but they do not specifically denote the rigidity required for certain surgical contexts. Thus, the rigid bronchoscope is uniquely positioned for its role in surgical procedures due to its design and functionality.