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UNIT 4 Supporting Physiological Functioning
Procedure 32-12 ■ Removing Sutures and Staples ➤ For steps to follow in all procedures, refer to the Universal Steps for All Procedures on the inside back cover.
and cannot be delegated.The procedure requires assessment and judgment during removal and may require stopping the procedure if complications occur. Preprocedure Assessment ■ Assess staples to ensure none have rotated or turned instead of lying flat along the incision.
Equipment ■ Nonsterile gloves ■ Suture removal kit or sterile scissors and forceps (Procedure 32-12A) ■ Staple remover (Procedure 32-12B) ■ Gauze Delegation This procedure cannot be delegated to a UAP.Assessment of the incision line or wound is a registered nurse’s responsibility
Procedure 32-12A ■ Removing Sutures ➤ When performing the procedure, always identify your patient according to agency policy, using two identifiers, and be attentive to standard precautions, hand hygiene, patient safety and privacy, body mechanics, and documentation.
Procedure Steps 1. Obtain a suture removal kit. 2. Perform hand hygiene. Don non- sterile gloves. 3. Cleanse the wound or suture line. 4. Use the forceps to pick up one end of the suture.
5. Slide the small scissors around the suture and cut near the skin. This helps you avoid pulling the exposed portion of the suture through the under- lying tissue.
6. With the forceps, gently pull the suture in the direction of the knot- ted side to remove it.
Suture types
Plain interrupted
Mattress interrupted
Removing interrupted sutures
Plain continuous
Mattress continuous
7. Apply a dressing or adhesive skin closures if needed. 8.Remove gloves and dispose in proper biohazardous waste recepta- cle. Perform hand hygiene.
Retention
Blanket continuous
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