Which characteristic describes a malleable instrument?

• A. It can be sterilized multiple times
• B. It cannot be bent or shaped
• C. It is capable of being bent or shaped for a specific purpose
• D. It is designed for single use only

Answer: (C)

A malleable instrument is characterized by its ability to be bent or shaped, making it suitable for various surgical applications where adjustment to a specific form is necessary. This feature allows the instrument to be custom-fitted to the anatomy of the patient or the particular needs of a procedure.

For instance, in surgery, these instruments may be manipulated to achieve the desired angle or position, which enhances the surgeon’s ability to operate effectively. This adaptability is a critical aspect of such instruments, as it allows for precision and customization during surgical procedures.

The other choices do not align with the definition of a malleable instrument. While some surgical instruments can indeed be sterilized multiple times, this is not exclusive to malleable instruments or indicative of their specific properties. An instrument that cannot be bent or shaped directly contradicts the definition of malleability. Lastly, many malleable instruments are designed for reuse, rather than being limited to single-use scenarios. Thus, the defining characteristic that accurately describes a malleable instrument is its capability to be bent or shaped for a specific purpose.