Which of the following is an example of a critical device?

• A. Surgical drapes
• B. Scissors
• C. Sutures
• D. Catheters

Answer: (D)

A critical device is defined as an instrument or implement that is intended to enter a sterile area or contact blood tissue, thereby posing a significant risk of infection or other complications if not properly sterilized.

In this context, catheters are classified as critical devices because they are used to drain or introduce fluids directly into the body and are inserted into areas that can be exposed to pathogens. Proper sterilization of catheters is essential to prevent healthcare-associated infections, making them a prime example of a critical device in surgical practice.

While surgical drapes, scissors, and sutures are important in surgical procedures, they do not carry the same level of risk as catheters regarding direct entry into sterile areas or contact with blood tissues. Surgical drapes are used primarily for creating a sterile field, scissors are cutting instruments, and sutures are used for closing incisions rather than directly interfacing with bodily systems in the way that catheters do. Thus, the categorization of catheters as critical devices highlights their critical role in maintaining patient safety during surgical procedures.