Author Question: What should the nurse do when removing intermittent sutures? a. Snip both sides of the suture ... (Read 99 times)

vinney12 · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

What should the nurse do when removing intermittent sutures?

a. Snip both sides of the suture before removing.
b. Snip the suture as close to the knot as possible.
c. Snip the suture as close to the skin as possible.
d. Pull up the knot to apply as much tension as possible.

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to start an IV on a 92-year-old patient. The nurse realizes that she may need to take which of the following actions? (Select all that apply.)

a. Avoid using veins in the hand.
b. Avoid using veins in the dominant arm.
c. Use the largest-gauge catheter possible for maximum flow.
d. Avoid using a tourniquet.

jonathanballen97 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 24, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Snip the suture as close to the skin as possible at the end distal to the knot. Never snip both ends of the suture; there will be no way to remove the part of the suture situated below the surface. Grasp the knot of the suture with forceps, and gently pull up the knot while slipping the tip of the scissors under the suture near the skin.

Answer to Question 2

A, B, D
In older patients, use the smallest gauge possible. For example, a 22-gauge needle is adequate for fluid and medication therapy; use a 24-gauge in frail, older adults. Smaller-gauge catheters are less traumatizing to the vein but still allow blood flow to provide increased hemodilution of IV fluids or medications. If possible, avoid the back of the older adult's hand or the dominant arm for venipuncture because they interfere with the older adult's independence. Minimize pressure from tourniquets, or avoid them if possible. Apply a blood pressure cuff in place of a tourniquet.