Answer :
Final answer:
Muscle, fat, and organ tissue should be handled with atraumatic tissue forceps to avoid laceration. These tissues are generally more fragile due to their structure and composition, particularly in loose connective tissues like adipose tissue.
Explanation:
When handling tissue, the Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) must consider the characteristics of safe tissue handling based upon the type of tissue. The RNFA is aware that muscle, fat, and organ tissue should be handled with smooth or atraumatic tissue forceps as this tissue is easily lacerated when clamped or pulled with forceps, retractors, or hands. Loose connective tissue proper, such as adipose tissue (fat) and areolar tissue, tends to be more fragile and is characterized by fewer extracellular protein fibers and more ground substance, making it spongier but more susceptible to damage.
Dense connective tissue like tendons and ligaments, and specialized connective tissues such as cartilage and bone, have different properties. For example, cartilage provides stiffness and elasticity, while bone tissue, which is highly vascularized and mineralized, offers hardness, stiffness, and toughness. However, muscle, fat, and organ tissues, most of which fall under the category of loose connective tissue, require extra care during surgical procedures to prevent undue harm.
