Question

Hemostatic forceps are primarily used for which of the following functions during minor surgery?

A. to clamp off blood vessels until they can be closed with sutures
B. to remove foreign objects
C. to destroy tissue by cutting and sealing blood flow using heat
D. to cut through tissues

Answer 1

Hemostatic forceps are used in minor surgery to clamp off blood vessels before suturing, aiding in the hemostasis process to prevent excessive bleeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hemostatic forceps are primarily used for clamping off blood vessels until they can be closed with sutures during minor surgery. These forceps play a crucial role in the hemostasis process, which involves three basic steps to prevent excessive bleeding: vascular spasm, the formation of a platelet plug, and coagulation. Hemostatic forceps are particularly useful during the initial phase when vasospasm occurs, as they can mechanically constrict the flow of blood, allowing for the formation of a platelet plug and facilitating subsequent coagulation, the series of events leading to the formation of a fibrin clot.