It's in the Bag! Trivia Quiz

Answer: blood pressure cuff

A blood pressure cuff is used to measure a patient's blood pressure in the arteries when the heart muscle is contracting (systolic pressure) and the pressure in between beats when the heart muscle is resting (diastolic pressure). It consists of an inflatable rubber cuff attached to a device which monitors the tightening of the cuff around the arm. Using a stethoscope the nurse will listen for sounds and note the results.

Answer: stethoscope

The action of listening to the sounds of bodily organs is called auscultation, appropriately named from the Latin verb "auscultare" which means "to listen". The nurse listens for the sounds of movement within the body such as heart beat, intestinal movement, breathing etc.

Answer: measuring tape

The tape measure is used to note length, height, head circumference (usually of infants) and girth etc. It's also used to measure wounds. They're usually made of paper or soft material and are sometimes retractable.

Answer: barrier

The cloth or plastic is well-named, as it creates a barrier between the bag and any surface on which it is placed. It prevents contamination of the outside surface of the bag, as well as the contents removed.

Answer: tongue depressor

Tongue depressors are flat and rounded at both ends. They aid in the examination of mouth and throat and are available in flavored varieties.

Answer: staple remover

A surgical staple remover is a manual device which has a very thin plate that is positioned under the staple. By using pressure on the handle it enables gentle removal of the staple.

Answer: hand sanitizer

Alcohol based hand sanitizers are available in convenient "pocket size" bottles. They can also be in gel or foam form. Although usually more effective than soap at killing most germs there are certain times when soap and water is preferred.

Answer: suture removal kit

Suture removal kits are small plastic trays which contain scissors, forceps (resembling tweezers) and a gauze square. The tools and kit are disposed of after use.

Answer: personal protection equipment

Items of personal protective equipment, known as PPE, protect the nurse from blood or bodily fluids which may contain germs. These crucial items are one time use only. Nurses must adhere to strict usage guidelines which include preparation, removal and disposal of the items.

Answer: antiseptic squares

Sometimes pads are used to cleanse the skin in preparation for an injection or use of a lancet (used to prick skin to obtain a few drops of blood for testing). The pads are not used directly on an open wound.