Identify the following instrument? .jpeg )

NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Identify the following instrument?

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

The instrument in the image is a Harrington retractor.
The key identifying feature is its large, heart-shaped blade, which gives it the nickname 'sweetheart' retractor.
This design is ideal for gently retracting large, delicate intra-abdominal organs like the liver or bowel, distributing pressure to prevent injury.

Option A: A Deaver retractor has a long, flat, curved blade, resembling a question mark. It does not have the heart-shaped tip seen in the image.
Option B: A Morris retractor is characterized by a right-angled or L-shaped blade. The instrument in the image has a curved, heart-shaped blade.
Option D: A Doyen retractor has a fan-shaped, curved blade used for superficial retraction of the abdominal wall. The instrument shown has a distinct heart shape and is used for deep organ retraction.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of surgical instruments as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing responsibility in the operating room is patient safety. When a Harrington retractor is used on the liver, a moist laparotomy pad is often placed between the blade and the organ to cushion it and prevent tears to the delicate liver capsule.
The scrub nurse must correctly identify and pass the requested retractor to the surgeon. Providing the wrong instrument can delay the procedure or lead to tissue damage.
Circulating nurses are responsible for ensuring all surgical instruments, including retractors and their detachable blades, are correctly counted before, during, and after the procedure to prevent retained surgical items.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the image provided, paying close attention to the most distinct part of the instrument, which is usually the tip or blade.
In this case, observe the unique shape of the blade. Note that it is wide and curved, resembling a heart.
Recall or look up the names of common abdominal retractors and their characteristic features.
Associate the 'heart' shape with the nickname 'sweetheart' retractor, which is another name for the Harrington retractor.
Compare this feature to the descriptions of the other options. Deaver is a simple curve, Morris is L-shaped, and Doyen is fan-shaped. This confirms that Harrington is the only match.
Select the option that correctly identifies the instrument based on this key visual feature.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Gynecology Williams p. 429-437

Practise the full NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.