Other Medical Supplies

Needles and Syringes

• Syringes are instruments intended for instillation of liquids into the body or its cavities, or to withdraw body fluids from the body
• Categories of syringes based on principle of action:
  • Hypodermic/Plunger Syringes
    • Have three parts: plunger, barrel with ml calibration, and tip
    • Used to administer medication subcutaneously, or intradermally, intravenously, or intramuscularly
    • The open end of the syringe may be fitted with a hypodermic needle, nozzle, or tubing
    • Barrel of a syringe is made of plastic or glass
• Hypodermic Needles:
  • Characterized by gauge (size of the hole in the needle) and length
  • Factors to consider for selection: safety, rate of flow, comfort of patient, and depth of penetration
  • Long-bevel needles: for local anesthesia and subcutaneous administration
  • Short-bevel needles: for IV administration, infusions, and transfusions
  • Special short-bevel needles: for intradermal and spinal administration

Bulb Syringes

• Frequently preferred when sterility is not necessary
• Used for nasal and ear irrigation, and wound care
• Types of bulb syringes:
  • Nasal syringes or nasal aspirators: soft rubber bulbs with an acorn-shaped nasal tip
  • Ear syringes and ulcer syringes: one-piece molded bulbs of soft, flexible rubber
  • Rectal syringes: customarily of the bulb type, with a narrow nozzle

Medical Gloves

• Surgical gloves: sterile, to protect a surgical wound from contamination
• Examination gloves: non-sterile, to prevent contamination or infection when examining or treating a patient
• Chemotherapy gloves: sterile or non-sterile, with properties to protect the wearer from chemotherapy drugs
• Precautions when using medical gloves:
  • Wash hands before putting on sterile gloves
  • Check for allergies and proper fit
  • Avoid using sharp objects that can puncture gloves
  • Change gloves if they rip or tear
  • Never reuse medical gloves

Disposable Scalpel and Surgical Blades

• Disposable scalpel: a surgical instrument designed for a single use, made of materials that allow for easy sterilization and safe disposal
• Surgical blades: specialized cutting instruments used in various medical procedures, attached to a handle to form a complete surgical scalpel

Catheters

• Foley catheters: flexible tubes that are passed through the urethra during urinary catheterization and into the bladder to drain urine
  • Types: two-way and three-way catheters
• Uses: to provide direct and unimpeded airway to and from the lungs, and for general anesthesia, emergency, and intensive care

Endotracheal Tubes

• Catheter that is inserted into the trachea through the mouth or nose in order to maintain an open air passage
• Used in general anesthesia, emergency, and intensive care
• Made from special non-toxic, clear, thermo-sensitive siliconized PVC material

Nasogastric Tubes

• Clear plastic tube that passes through the patient's nose and throat and ends in the patient's stomach
• Used for direct "tube feeding" to maintain nutritional status, removal of stomach acids, and in poisoning situations
• Also used for preparation before surgery and to extract samples of gastric liquid for analysis

Other Medical Supplies

• Tongue depressor: used to depress the tongue to allow for examination of the mouth and throat
• Otoscope: used to look into the ears
• Sphygmomanometer: used to measure arterial pressure
• Glucometer: used to determine the approximate concentration of glucose in the blood
• Laryngoscope: used to obtain a view of the vocal folds and the glottis
• Ophthalmoscope: allows for visualization inside the fundus of the eye
• Forceps: used for grasping and controlling tissue in surgical procedures