CO: Surgical Nursing
CO-06: Staples and Sutures
No.
Competency Item
NAC
DEV
COM
DTE
EXC
Demonstrate knowledge and ability to remove staples and sutures as per protocols:
CO-06-01
assess the site i.e., gaping, drainage, inflammation, signs of infection, presence of a healing line, etc.
CO-06-02
swab wound as necessary
CO-06-03
prepare the suture area
CO-06-04
apply steristrips as needed, or ordered
CO-06-05
apply appropriate dressing if needed
CO-06-06
count number of staples / sutures
CO-06-07
note client's tolerance to procedure
CO-06-08
document and report procedure and findings.