An instrument used to open a body orifice for viewing

An instrument used to open a body orifice for viewing

• A. Ophthalmoscope
• B. Otoscope
• C. Percussion Hammer
• D. Speculum

Answer: (D)

Opening an opening for visualization is the key idea. A speculum is designed to gently dilate and hold open a body opening so a clinician can inspect the interior—think of vaginal or nasal exams where an opening needs to be kept wide enough to view the mucosa or cervix. It provides a stable access point, unlike tools that merely illuminate or touch the surface. An ophthalmoscope is used to look inside the eye, an otoscope to examine the ear but not to maintain a wide opening, and a percussion hammer tests reflexes. So, the instrument described is the speculum.

Opening an opening for visualization is the key idea. A speculum is designed to gently dilate and hold open a body opening so a clinician can inspect the interior—think of vaginal or nasal exams where an opening needs to be kept wide enough to view the mucosa or cervix. It provides a stable access point, unlike tools that merely illuminate or touch the surface. An ophthalmoscope is used to look inside the eye, an otoscope to examine the ear but not to maintain a wide opening, and a percussion hammer tests reflexes. So, the instrument described is the speculum.