Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Which statement is TRUE regarding plain gut sutures?

1. The sutures have a low tendency toward tissue vascularization

2. The sutures provide strobe tensile strength predictability

3. The sutures are absorbable

4. The sutures are synthetic

The correct answer is: The sutures are absorbable

The correct statement about plain gut sutures is that they are absorbable. Plain gut sutures are made from the natural collagen derived from the intestines of sheep or cattle, which makes them biodegradable and able to be absorbed by the body over time. This quality is essential in many surgical procedures, as it allows for tissue healing without the need for suture removal. The other statements do not accurately describe plain gut sutures. For instance, while these sutures are used for various tissues, they do not typically provide predictable tensile strength compared to synthetic options, and their tendency for tissue vascularization can vary. Additionally, plain gut sutures are not synthetic; they are made from natural materials, which is a key characteristic that differentiates them from many modern suturing materials.