What type of instrument is used to stop bleeding?

The correct answer is a hemostat, which is a specialized surgical instrument designed specifically to control and stop bleeding during surgical procedures. Hemostats work by clamping down on blood vessels or tissues to restrict blood flow, allowing for a cleaner surgical field and reducing the risk of excessive blood loss. They are typically serrated along their jaws, providing a firm grip on the tissue, and can be locked in place to maintain pressure.

In contrast, a scalpel is primarily used for making incisions rather than for controlling bleeding. Forceps are used to grasp or manipulate tissues but are not designed specifically for stopping blood flow. Scissors, while useful for cutting tissue or sutures, do not serve the purpose of hemostasis. All of these tools play important roles in surgical contexts but do not function to intentionally stop bleeding like a hemostat does.