Which of the following is the correct set of steps for suture removal?

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Explanation

The correct procedure involves using sterile instruments (forceps and suture scissors) to minimize infection risk.
The key principle is to cut the suture close to the skin on one side of the knot.
This allows the suture to be pulled out by grasping the knot, ensuring that the contaminated external portion of thesuture is not pulled through the underlying tissue.
The motion should be gentle and smooth to avoid causing pain or disrupting the newly healed tissue.

Option A: Using a scalpel for this purpose is not standard practice and increases the risk of cutting the patient. Pulling the suture with nails is unsterile and a major breach of aseptic technique.
Option B: The word 'abruptly' is the key flaw. Suture removal should be a gentle and smooth process to avoid causing unnecessary pain and trauma to the healing wound.
Option D: This option is vague, incomplete, and does not accurately describe the critical steps of cutting and removing the suture.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Suture Removal Technique as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Proper suture removal technique is a fundamental nursing skill that is critical for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs).
Before removing sutures, the nurse must assess the wound for signs of healing (e.g., approximated edges) and complications (e.g., redness, swelling, pus, dehiscence). If the wound is not well-healed, removal should be delayed after consulting the healthcare provider.
What if? If upon removing the first suture, the wound edges begin to separate (dehiscence), the nurse should immediately stop the procedure, apply sterile strips (Steri-Strips) to support the wound, cover it with a sterile dressing, and notify the healthcare provider.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core task in the question: finding the 'correct set of steps' for a clinical procedure (suture removal).
Analyze each option by breaking down the steps described.
Evaluate each step against the core principles of nursing practice: asepsis (sterility), patient safety (avoiding injury), and patient comfort (gentle technique).
Eliminate options that contain incorrect tools (e.g., scalpel, nails) or incorrect actions (e.g., 'abruptly', using unsterile methods).
Select the option that describes a complete, safe, and gentle procedure using the correct equipment, which is consistent with standard nursing protocols for infection control.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Text Book Of Pediatric Nursing 3rd Panchali Pal — Part 3 (pp 477-702 of 713) p. 195-197

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 6 p. 101-103

Practise the full UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.