Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

The purpose of a ratchet in surgical instruments is to lock the instrument in a closed position. Ratchets provide a mechanical advantage by allowing the jaws of an instrument, such as hemostats or clamp forceps, to securely hold tissue or vessels without continuous manual pressure. This locking mechanism enables the surgeon to maintain a firm grip on the instrument without having to constantly apply force, thereby freeing up their hands for other tasks during a procedure.

Instruments without a ratchet may not provide this level of stability, potentially leading to the instrument slipping or releasing its hold, which could compromise the surgical field. The design of the ratchet ensures that the instrument can be locked at different points, allowing for varying degrees of closure as needed in various situations.

Each of the other choices represents a function that does not reflect the primary purpose of ratchets. For instance, while cleaning is important, the ratchet specifically does not facilitate cleaning. Similarly, while adjustability is a feature in many instruments, a ratchet does not change the size of an instrument; its role is solely to lock. Finally, while enhancing grip can be an incidental benefit, it’s the locking mechanism that truly defines the function of a ratchet in surgical tools.