Page 444 - CHHA Binder 2.3.20

4/11/2019

PURPOSE OF SUTURE AND STAPLE
REMOVAL

 To provide proper Post-op care
 To facilitates & promotes proper wound healing

This course is comprised of the following segments:
 Lecture

 Video
 Return Demonstration/Competency

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KEY POINTS

 Although physicians order the removal of skin staples and
sutures, there are general guidelines for timing the
removal based on location:

Face and neck 3 to 5 days after insertion
Chest and abdomen 5 to 7 days after insertion
Lower extremities 7 to 10 days after insertion
Back 10 to 14 days after insertion
 Assess for embedded dissolvable sutures.

 Carefully observe and count all staples, clips or sutures
before removing them and after removing them.

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