Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) 2025 Practice Exam – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The primary function of towel clips in surgical procedures is to hold drapes and instruments securely in place. These clips are essential for maintaining a sterile environment during surgery, as they help prevent accidental movement of drapes that could expose non-sterile areas or compromise the surgical field. By firmly securing the drapes, towel clips ensure that both the surgical site and the instruments remain organized and accessible to the surgical team.

While securing sterile instruments is indeed critical in the operating room, towel clips are specifically designed for holding drapes rather than instruments directly. The incision process is initiated using surgical scalpels or other instruments, not towel clips. Adjusting the patient's position is typically managed by other surgical staff or equipment, not by towel clips. Hence, the central role of towel clips distinctly lies in their function to ensure the drapes remain in place throughout the procedure.