The nurse evaluates the surgical incision before removing the patient's staples. What assessment finding would suggest staple removal is contraindicated for now?

Question

a. The area could have an increased risk of visible scarring.
b. There is a small open area along the inci-sion.
c. The site is without drainage or erythema.
d. The patient is quite anxious about the staple removal.

Answer 1

B
The nurse avoids removing staples from an incision with an open area because this indicates the incision has delayed healing. If the nurse removes the staples too soon, the risk of infection in-creases from wound dehiscence or evisceration. The method of wound closure, healing progres-sion, and patient nutritional status determines scarring; staple removal generally has no effect on scarring. A surgical incision without drainage or redness has clinical indicators consistent with a healing wound. Patients are frequently anxious about procedures perceived as potentially painful; thus the nurse instructs the patient to expect a stinging sensation.