Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Forceps are specifically designed to grasp and manipulate tissues during surgical procedures, making them an essential instrument in the operating room. They come in various types and sizes, allowing surgeons and surgical technologists to securely hold different kinds of tissue, whether it be soft tissue, skin, or other structures. Their design, which often includes a pair of arms that can be hinged and controlled by the hand, provides the necessary dexterity and precision needed in delicate surgical environments.

In contrast, scalpels are primarily used for cutting, scissors for incising or cutting tissues, and retractors for holding back tissues or organs to provide better visibility to the surgical site. Each of these instruments serves a unique purpose in surgery, but forceps stand out as the go-to choice for grasping tissue.