Suture Removal: Post-Procedure and Special Considerations (Nursing)

00:04 Now, after we've completed this procedure, make sure you return the bed to the lowest position.

00:10 Make sure the patients in a comfortable position.

00:13 Dispose of all used equipment.

00:14 Then, it's a great idea at this point, to reassess the patient's pain and treat as indicated.

00:21 Remove your gloves perform you hand hygiene, and make sure of course, you document the procedure.

00:26 Now, let's take a look at some special considerations, regarding suture removal.

00:31 So, there can be some possible complications.

00:34 So, let's talk about the first one.

00:36 Well, of course, infections a really big deal.

00:39 So, when we're talking about post-operative incisions, there can be some redness, some oozing, some pus around those sutures, we need to monitor for this, and of course, report it.

00:50 So, the whole reason why we want sutures in the first place, is to make sure that wound heals nicely together.

00:58 But sometimes there can be an incomplete wound closure, if this is the case we need to assess and report it.

01:04 Now, a couple of more to think about, is failure to remove the suture.

01:09 So sometimes, we may get in a hurry, or we're not visualizing the incision well, we need to make sure we remove all of the suture.

01:17 And lastly, of course, is pain.

01:19 This goes back to our patient.

01:21 We want to make sure we assess for pain, before the procedure, of course, after as well.

01:27 And just know, sometimes when you remove sutures in a patient's skin, that tugging can be a little bit painful.

01:33 So, make sure you discuss this with your patient and make sure you assess appropriately.

01:38 Thanks for watching.