Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which surgical instrument is commonly used for blunt dissection in surgical procedures?

1. Scalpel

2. Hemostat

3. Scissors

4. Forceps

The correct answer is: Scissors

Blunt dissection is a technique used during surgical procedures to separate tissues without cutting through them, which helps minimize damage to surrounding structures. Scissors specifically designed for blunt dissection, often referred to as blunt-tipped scissors, are ideal for this purpose. They allow the surgeon to carefully and gradually separate tissues while providing control and precision. While scalpels are primarily used for making incisions, and hemostats are utilized for clamping blood vessels or tissues, they are not designed for blunt dissection. Forceps can assist in manipulating tissue but do not serve as a primary instrument for blunt dissection. In summary, scissors are the most suitable option for performing blunt dissection, as they effectively facilitate the separation of tissue layers during surgical procedures.