Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

Health or medical instruments used in the treatment, mitigation, diagnosis, or prevention of a disease or abnormal physical condition are known collectively as:

1. Assistive devices

2. Interventive devices

3. Medical devices

4. Surgical devices

The correct answer is: Medical devices

The term that best describes health or medical instruments used for the treatment, mitigation, diagnosis, or prevention of diseases or abnormal physical conditions is "medical devices." This classification encompasses a wide range of items, including diagnostic equipment, therapeutic machines, and surgical implements, all designed to assist healthcare professionals in providing care. Medical devices can range from simple items, like bandages and thermometers, to complex machines, such as MRI scanners and pacemakers. This definition aligns with regulatory and professional standards, where medical devices are categorized based on their purposes and the level of risk they pose to patients. The broad nature of this term captures the essence of various tools utilized in healthcare, making it the most accurate option among the choices provided. In contrast, assistive devices generally refer to tools that help individuals perform tasks related to their daily living and may not exclusively pertain to medical treatments. Interventive devices could imply a more specific use within a clinical setting but lacks the comprehensive scope essential to cover all medical instruments. Surgical devices specifically pertain to tools used in surgical settings, which is a narrower subset of the broader category of medical devices.