Removing Surgical Staples

What action by the nurse is most appropriate when attempting to remove surgical staples that have dried blood or drainage on them?

Apply moist saline compresses to loosen crusts before attempting to remove the staples.

Place in order, from first to last, the actions the nurse will perform when planning to remove surgical staples. Use all options.

1)Open the staple removal kit. 2)Position the staple remover under the staple to be removed. 3)Firmly close the staple remover and remove every other staple. 4)Assess wound to see if the edges remain approximated. 5)Remove the remaining staples.

4When assessing a wound 2 hours after removing the surgical staples, the nurse notes that the wound edges have begun to pull apart. What action should the nurse take next?

Notify the health care provider that the wound edges are coming apart.

What should the nurse do with any surgical staples removed from a surgical incision?

Dispose of them in a sharps container.

What intervention should the nurse teach the client to support the underlying tissues and decrease discomfort after removal of surgical staples?

to splint the area when engaging in activity