(6)
Use hydrogen peroxide to remove dried secretions or encrustations,
as necessary.
(7)
Grasp the knot of each suture with a pair of smooth forceps and
gently pull upward to pull stitch away from the skin (see Figure 4-13).
Figure 4-13 Removing suture from wound.
(8)
Cut the shortened end of each stitch as close to the skin as possible
and pull each stitch free from the wound.
(a) Allows the stitch to be pulled free of wound so that when stitch
is removed, only that part of the stitch which is under the skin touches the subcutaneous
tissues.
(b) No segment of the stitch that is on the surface of the skin
should be drawn below the skin surface. That could introduce skin surface
(c) If the suture does not pull free when cut or is embedded into
healed suture line, report immediately to the Charge Nurse or to the physician for
assistance.
(d) For continuous suture removal, cut the suture at each skin
orifice on one side and remove suture from the opposite side. The objective is to avoid
(9)
Pat the suture removal sites with an alcohol sponge.
(10)
Reapply dressing as appropriate.
MD0915
4-24