Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

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Study for the Certified Surgical Technologist Exam. Prepare with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Enhance your understanding and boost your confidence for acing the exam!

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Which type of surgical instrumentation is designed specifically to cut tissue?

  1. Scissors

  2. Forceps

  3. Scalpels

  4. Clamps

The correct answer is: Scalpels

Scalpels are specifically designed to cut tissue and are essential tools in surgical procedures. They feature a sharp blade that allows for precise incisions in the skin or other tissues. This precision is critical, as many surgical procedures require careful dissection to minimize damage to surrounding structures and promote optimal healing. In contrast, while scissors are also used to cut, they are typically utilized for different purposes, such as cutting sutures or tissue in a more blunt manner, rather than making initial incisions. Forceps are designed for grasping, handling, or manipulating tissues and are not intended for cutting. Clamps serve to hold tissues or blood vessels together, preventing blood flow, and also do not have cutting functions. Thus, the choice of scalpel emphasizes its specialized role in making clean, controlled cuts during surgical operations.