Which instrument is commonly used to clamp blood vessels during an incision and drainage of a sebaceous cyst?

• A. Gauze
• B. Scalpel
• C. Hemostat
• D. Fenestrated drape

Answer: (C)

Controlling bleeding is essential during a minor surgical procedure like incision and drainage. A hemostat is specifically designed to grasp and clamp small blood vessels, providing temporary hemostasis so you can visualize the area and drain the cyst without continuous blood flow. Its locking mechanism helps maintain pressure without constant hand effort.

The other tools have different roles: a scalpel makes the incision, gauze absorbs blood and helps keep the field clean, and a fenestrated drape is used to maintain a sterile working area. Because the task here is to clamp vessels to control bleeding, the hemostat is the appropriate instrument.