Question

which of the following items need to be sterilized?
□ curettes
□ blood pressure cuffs
□ reflex hammers
□ vaginal specula
□ surgical instruments
□ suture removal instruments
□ tongue depressors
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Explanation:

• Curettes: Used in invasive procedures (e.g., tissue scraping), need sterilization to prevent infection.
• Vaginal specula: Inserted into the body, require sterilization to avoid transmitting pathogens.
• Surgical instruments: Come in direct contact with sterile tissue during surgery, must be sterilized.
• Suture removal instruments: Contact surgical sites (non - intact skin/mucous membranes), need sterilization.
• Blood pressure cuffs: Usually only need cleaning/disinfection (non - invasive, don't penetrate skin), not sterilization.
• Reflex hammers: Non - invasive, used on intact skin, disinfection (not sterilization) is sufficient.
• Tongue depressors: Often disposable; if reusable, disinfection (not sterilization) is typical as they don't penetrate tissue deeply.

Answer:

• Curettes
• Vaginal specula
• Surgical instruments
• Suture removal instruments