Final answer:
A scalpel or surgical needle is used to incise and drain an abscess, not a speculum. An antiseptic is applied afterwards to prevent infection, and in certain cases, an endoscope might be utilized for internal procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
To incise and drain an abscess, the appropriate instrument to use would be a scalpel or a surgical needle, not a speculum. A speculum is typically used to dilate an orifice such as the vagina or rectum to allow for examination and does not have cutting capabilities.
For the incision and drainage of an abscess, a sharp instrument like a scalpel provides precise control to make an incision, release the pus, and facilitate the drainage process. Once the abscess is drained, care must be taken to prevent infection. An antiseptic is suitable for use on tissues for microbial control and to prevent infection. In some cases, a surgical procedure may involve the use of an endoscope when exploratory procedures or minor surgeries are required in internal tissues. The inclusion of small surgical tools that can be controlled via the endoscope allows doctors to operate with minimal incisions. However, for simple abscesses, usually, a scalpel and drainage procedure followed by antiseptic application is sufficient for treatment.