Which is a common sign that a hemostat jaw is misaligned?

• A. Visible gap at the jaw tips when closed
• B. The jaw tips feel warm to the touch
• C. The teeth are polished and shiny
• D. The lock engages smoothly

Answer: (A)

When assessing a hemostat, the most direct sign of misalignment is a visible gap at the jaw tips when the jaws are closed. If the tips don’t meet evenly, the instrument won’t grip tissue securely and may crush or slip, which points to bent or worn jaws or a misaligned hinge. Warmth at the tips isn’t a reliable indicator of misalignment and can come from friction or other causes. Polished and shiny teeth simply show the teeth are clean and in good condition, not that the jaws are aligned. A lock that engages smoothly suggests the locking mechanism is functioning, but doesn’t guarantee proper jaw alignment. So the visible gap at the tips when closed is the clearest, most relevant sign.