Surgical Staple Removal Nursing | How to Remove Surgical Staples

Summary

In this video, Registered Nurse Cereth demonstrates how to properly remove surgical staples. The procedure begins by verifying the physician's order, obtaining patient consent, and ensuring the appropriate supplies are gathered. Cereth emphasizes infection prevention by cleaning the wound before and after staple removal and applying steri-strips to maintain wound integrity. Detailed steps include using a staple remover, maintaining a sterile field, and counting removed staples. Steri-strips are carefully applied to prevent tension or skin damage. Cereth also provides aftercare instructions, highlighting the importance of proper disposal of staples and sterile procedures.

Takeaways

• ✅ Always verify the physician's order before removing surgical staples, as some may require removal of every other staple, while others might want all removed.
• 🗣️ Explain the procedure to the patient, get their consent, and inform them that staple removal is usually painless, but they may feel tugging.
• 💊 Offer pain medication if it's ordered, as the wound area might be tender.
• 🧤 Follow your hospital's protocols regarding the use of sterile vs. clean gloves during the procedure.
• 🩹 Have steri-strips ready to apply after staple removal to prevent wound dehiscence (wound reopening).
• 🔍 Inspect the wound for infection or improper healing before removing staples, and notify the physician if anything looks concerning.
• ✋ Perform hand hygiene, remove any dressings, and ensure the area is clean using antiseptics before and after staple removal.
• 🔧 Use the staple remover tool correctly by placing it under the staple, depressing the handle, and allowing the tool to extract the staple without pulling manually.
• 📊 Count the number of removed staples, document the total, and ensure all staples are disposed of in a sharps container.
• 📅 Inform the patient that steri-strips will naturally fall off within about 10 days and advise them not to remove them manually.

Q & A

What is the first step before removing surgical staples?

The first step is to verify the physician's order to ensure you understand how many staples to remove and follow any specific instructions.

Why is it important to talk to the patient before the procedure?

It's important to explain the procedure to the patient, get their consent, and inform them that the process is typically painless but may feel like tugging or pulling.

What supplies are needed for removing surgical staples according to the video?

The supplies needed include sterile gloves, a drape, a dressing change tray, steri-strips, a skin staple remover kit, and gauze.

Why are steri-strips used when removing surgical staples?

Steri-strips are used to prevent wound dehiscence, which is when the wound opens up, and to maintain wound integrity after staples are removed.

What should you do if you notice the wound may not be ready for staple removal?

If the wound looks infected or not ready for staple removal, you should notify the physician and not proceed with the removal.

How should you handle the staples after they are removed?

You should drop each removed staple onto a gauze to prevent them from falling and causing injury, as they are small and sharp.

Why is it recommended to remove every other staple first?

Removing every other staple first helps to decrease the chance of the incision opening up prematurely.

How should you apply steri-strips after removing the staples?

Steri-strips should be applied without creating tension or pulling on the skin, with about an eighth-inch space between each strip, and with 3/4 of an inch extending from each side of the incision.

What is the purpose of cleaning the surgical site before and after removing the staples?

Cleaning the surgical site before and after staple removal helps to decrease the risk of infection.

How long do steri-strips typically stay on before they fall off by themselves?

Steri-strips usually fall off by themselves within about 10 days.