Vetinerary Assistant Practice Exam

What are hemostats primarily used for?

1. To cut tissues

2. To clamp blood vessels

3. To stitch wounds

4. To apply sutures

The correct answer is: To clamp blood vessels

Hemostats are primarily designed to clamp blood vessels, which helps to control bleeding during surgical procedures or other medical interventions. They function by occluding the blood vessel and stopping the flow of blood, providing the surgeon with a clear field to work in without excessive blood loss. This is crucial in a veterinary setting where maintaining hemostasis is important for patient safety and successful outcomes during surgeries. The other options represent tools or actions that have different primary functions. Cutting tissues is performed with scalpels or surgical scissors. Stitching wounds and applying sutures involve the use of needles and suture material rather than hemostats. Understanding the specific purpose of each instrument is essential for effective practice in veterinary medicine.