Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

What type of needle does a physician use for tougher tissue?

1. Swaged needle

2. Taper point needle

3. Cutting needle

4. Straight needle

The correct answer is: Cutting needle

The cutting needle is specifically designed for use on tougher tissue and is ideal for tasks involving skin and other dense tissues. This needle features a tri-beveled point that sharpens its edges, allowing it to penetrate and cut through harder tissue more effectively than other types of needles. This makes it particularly useful in surgical procedures where precision and the ability to handle more resistant tissues are critical. In contrast, swaged needles are typically used for sutures that require a more delicate touch, taper point needles are more suited for softer tissues as they do not cut but rather separate tissue as they pass through, and straight needles are less common in surgical settings needing penetration of tougher materials but might be employed in specific types of procedures or for particular applications. The cutting needle's design is what distinctly positions it as the preferred choice for tougher tissues.