The instrument used to grasp and hold the uterus or cervix during vaginal examinations, intrauterine devices placement or removal, and cervical dilatation is called:

1. A

   Magill forceps

2. B

   Babcock forceps

3. C

   Vulsellum forceps

4. D

   Kocher artery forceps

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

• Vulsellum forceps are specifically designed with sharp, pointed teeth at the tips.
• These teeth allow for a firm and secure grip on the dense, fibrous tissue of the cervix, which is necessary to apply traction and stabilize the uterus.
• This instrument is essential for procedures like IUD insertion, cervical dilatation, and Dilatation and Curettage (D&C).
• The secure grip prevents the cervix from slipping, ensuring procedural success and patient safety.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: These are angled forceps used for airway management, not for gynecological procedures.
• Option B: These are atraumatic forceps with smooth, rounded tips designed for delicate tissues. They would not provide a secure enough grip on the firm cervix and would likely slip.
• Option D: These are heavy, traumatic forceps with interlocking teeth designed for aggressively grasping tough tissues or clamping large blood vessels. They would cause unnecessary trauma and laceration to the cervix.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification and use of gynecological surgical instruments as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Selecting the correct instrument is critical for patient safety. Using a traumatic instrument like Kocher forceps on the cervix could cause significant laceration, bleeding, and pain.
• Using an inappropriate instrument like Babcock forceps could lead to procedural failure, as it would likely slip off the cervix, prolonging the procedure and causing patient discomfort.
• A nurse's role includes ensuring the correct instruments are available and prepared for a procedure, anticipating the provider's needs.

How to Approach the Question

• First, analyze the question stem to identify the target tissue (uterus/cervix) and the required action (grasp and hold for traction).
• Recognize that the cervix is a dense, fibrous tissue that requires a firm, non-slip grip.
• Review the options and recall the primary function and design of each type of forceps.
• Eliminate forceps used for other body systems (Magill for airway) or for different tissue characteristics (Babcock for delicate tubes, Kocher for heavy fascia/arteries).
• Select the instrument specifically designed with teeth to grasp the cervix securely, which is the Vulsellum forceps.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Identification and use of gynecological surgical instruments
• Stem keywords: instrument, grasp, hold, uterus, cervix, vaginal examinations, intrauterine devices, cervical dilatation
• Lead-in keywords: is called

Question ID

Qrnahq68ltzeRJaUuIfF5J

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 50-60