Which of the following suture materials can be autoclaved for sterilization?

BCCL kharkhanda Staff Nurse - 2015

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: BCCL kharkhanda Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

Silk and linen are natural, non-absorbable suture materials.
They are thermally stable and can withstand the high temperatures and pressurized steam of an autoclave without significant degradation.
This makes autoclaving a viable sterilization method for these specific materials, unlike most other suture types.

Option B: Both Catgut and Polyglactin are absorbable sutures. Catgut is a natural protein that denatures with heat, and Polyglactin is a synthetic polymer that breaks down via hydrolysis. Autoclaving would destroy both.
Option C: PDS (Polydioxanone) is a synthetic absorbable suture that degrades by hydrolysis. Polyester is a synthetic non-absorbable suture, but it is typically sterilized by ethylene oxide or radiation, not autoclaving, to preserve its integrity.
Option D: Polyglycolic acid is a synthetic absorbable suture that degrades via hydrolysis. Collagen is a natural protein-based absorbable material that would be denatured by the heat of an autoclave.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Sterilization methods for different types of suture materials as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the correct sterilization method for surgical instruments and materials is fundamental to preventing Surgical Site Infections (SSIs).
Using a suture that has been weakened or damaged by improper sterilization can lead to premature suture failure, wound dehiscence, and poor patient outcomes.
A nurse's role in the operating room includes ensuring that all materials used are sterile and appropriate for the procedure. This involves checking packaging for sterility indicators and expiration dates.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: which sutures can survive autoclaving (high-pressure steam and heat)?
Recall the major classifications of sutures: absorbable vs. non-absorbable, and natural vs. synthetic.
Consider the mechanism of autoclaving. The combination of heat and moisture will affect different materials differently.
Analyze the options: Absorbable sutures (like Catgut, PDS, Polyglactin) are designed to break down in the body, often through hydrolysis (reaction with water). Autoclaving would trigger this breakdown, so any option containing an absorbable suture is likely incorrect.
This process of elimination leaves the option with non-absorbable, heat-stable materials as the most plausible answer.
Evaluate the remaining option (Silk & Linen). These are natural, non-absorbable fibers known for their durability, making them the correct choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q8nylm739Sip6xLrHGoS0o

E6 Gynecology Williams p. 430-440

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 1 p. 81-83