Identification should include

• commonly used veterinary instruments, including surgical instruments, and the purpose of each
• classification of instruments (e.g., scissors, needle holders, forceps) according to use
• the basic parts of common surgical instruments (e.g., ratchet, box lock)
• methods of safely handling and passing surgical instruments
• commonly encountered veterinary equipment and the use of each.

Teacher Resource: Veterinary Science Handbook, Virginia FFA

Process/Skill Questions:

• What instruments are commonly included in a spay pack? In an emergency pack?
• What are the uses of different types of surgical scissors?
• What ways are veterinary surgical instruments grouped (e.g., curved vs. straight, by tooth patterns, by blade types)?
• Why do some needle holders have tungsten carbide inserts and some do not?
• What is the most common scalpel blade used in small animal hospitals?