NORCET -4 , 2023
Medical & Surgical Nursing
Easy

Following denote instrument is used in which of the procedure?

Appeared in: NORCET -4 , 2023

Explanation

  • The instrument shown in the image is a Joll's thyroid retractor.
  • It is a self-retaining retractor with a ratchet lock, designed to hold tissues apart without manual assistance.
  • Its curved blades are specifically shaped to retract the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and platysma muscle during a thyroidectomy.
  • This provides the surgeon with a clear and stable view of the thyroid gland, which is essential for a safe and effective procedure.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: Mastoidectomy is surgery on the mastoid bone behind the ear. It requires smaller, more delicate retractors like Mollison's or Wullstein's retractors to navigate the confined space.
  • Option C: Mastectomy is the surgical removal of breast tissue. It involves managing large flaps of skin and tissue, requiring larger retractors such as the Langenbeck or Deaver retractors.
  • Option D: Craniotomy is a neurosurgical procedure involving opening the skull. It necessitates highly specialized cranial retractor systems, like the Greenberg or Leyla systems, which are designed to fix to the skull and safely retract the scalp and brain.

Related Visual

An illustration showing the Jolls thyroid retractor in place during a thyroidectomy, clearly demonstrating how it retracts the neck tissues to expose the thyroid gland.
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification and use of surgical instruments (Joll's Thyroid Retractor) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Using the correct surgical instrument is critical for patient safety, minimizing tissue trauma, and ensuring optimal surgical exposure.
  • A nurse's role in the operating room includes anticipating the surgeon's needs and ensuring the correct instruments, like the Joll's retractor for a thyroidectomy, are available and functioning correctly.
  • What if? If a general-purpose retractor were used instead of a Joll's retractor, it could lead to inadequate exposure, increased tissue damage, and a higher risk of complications like nerve injury or bleeding.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, carefully examine the image to identify the key features of the surgical instrument. Note its size, shape, and any special mechanisms (e.g., self-retaining ratchet).
  • Based on these features, identify the instrument. The instrument shown is a Joll's thyroid retractor.
  • Recall the specific surgical procedure for which this instrument is designed. The name 'thyroid retractor' is a major clue.
  • Evaluate the given options. 'Thyroidectomy' is the surgical removal of the thyroid gland.
  • Match the instrument to the procedure. The Joll's thyroid retractor is used in thyroidectomy.
  • Eliminate the other options by considering the types of instruments used in those distinct surgical fields (ear, breast, brain).
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Identification and use of surgical instruments (Joll's Thyroid Retractor).
  • Stem keywords: instrument, procedure
  • Lead-in keywords: used in which

Question ID

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Reference Book

E6 Gynecology Williams p. 429-437

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 1 p. 80-82

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