Chapter 4: Wound Care
4.7 Suture Removal
Critical Thinking Exercises: Questions, Answers, and Sources / References
Critical thinking questions are in bold type, and the answers are italicized. Additional resources or references are provided below.
- Jasbir is going home with a lower abdominal surgical incision following a c-section. What patient teaching is important in relation to the wound?
- Smoking cessation strategies if person is willing.
- Promote adequate nutrition with a well-balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, fats, and at least 1.5–2 L/day fluid intake.
- Showers are OK. Baths aren’t. Soaking in water might encourage bacterial growth and result in wound infection.
- Protect the wound from friction and shear.
- Wounds can be exposed 48 hours post op if dry and approximated.
- Keep leaking wounds clean (shower) and dry (dressing).
- Report concerns of increased redness, swelling, or unusual drainage.
- Avoid lifting >20 lbs for at least 4 weeks. No abdominal exercising or strain.
- Report any concerns to HCP quickly.
Source:
Healthwise Staff. (2017, May 16). Incision care after surgery. HealthLinkBC. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/tc4128spec
- Acki is discharged from the clinic following removal of sutures in his knee due to a mountain biking accident. What patient teaching is important in relation to the wound?
- Risk of infection is still apparent because of the nature of his injury.
- Smoking cessation strategies if person is willing.
- Promote adequate nutrition with a well-balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, fats, and at least 1.5–2 L/day fluid intake.
- Showers are OK. Baths aren’t. Soaking in water might encourage bacterial growth and result in wound infection.
- Protect the wound from friction or shear.
- Wounds can be exposed 48 hours post op if dry and approximated.
- Keep leaking wounds clean (shower) and dry (dressing).
- Report concerns of increased redness, swelling, or unusual drainage.
Sources:
Gallagher-Camden, S. (2012). Skin care needs of the obese patient. In R. A. Bryant & D. P. Nix (Eds.), Acute and chronic wounds: Current management concepts (4th ed.). Elsevier; Mosby.
Healthwise Staff. (2017, May 16). Incision care after surgery. HealthLinkBC. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/tc4128spec
Perry, A., Potter, P., Ostendorf, W. (2017). Clinical Skills and Techniques (9th ed.) Elsevier; Mosby.
Stotts, N. A. (2012). Nutritional assessment and support. In R. A. Bryant & D. P. Nix (Eds.), Acute and chronic wounds: Current management concepts (4th ed.). Elsevier; Mosby.
- What situations warrant staple or suture removal to be a sterile procedure?
If the staples are within a wound that is being treated with strict asepsis; for example, an open wound requiring irrigation.
- What situations warrant staple or suture removal to be a clean procedure?
Wounds that have been exposed to the environment. Remember, staples are generally removed 7-10 days after insertion. Many wounds w