Which is the correct sequence for removing sutures?

Which is the correct sequence for removing sutures?

• A. Remove dressing; Unthread knots; Pull suture out
• B. Put on sterile gloves; Clean the incision; Grasp the knot of the first suture and gently lift the knot up off the skin; Cut one side of the suture below the knot, close to the skin; Grasp the knot with forceps and pull the cut suture through the skin; Remove the edges last; Dispose in biohazard bag; Reapply dressing if necessary
• C. Clean incision; Put on sterile gloves; Grasp knot of first suture; Remove
• D. Pierce knot; Remove dressing; Cut

Answer: (B)

Removing sutures correctly starts with keeping the area clean and using a sterile technique, plus unthreading the knot rather than pulling the suture through the wound. Begin by putting on sterile gloves and cleaning the incision to reduce infection risk. Then grab the knot of the first suture and lift it gently off the skin so you don’t drag any thread through the wound. Cut one side of the suture below the knot, as close to the skin as possible, to form a free strand. Grasp the knot with forceps and pull the cut end through the skin, which unthreads the suture from the knot without tearing tissue. Repeat for the remaining sutures, removing the edges last, and dispose of everything in a biohazard bag. Reapply dressing if needed. This approach minimizes tissue trauma, preserves wound integrity, and helps prevent infection.

Removing sutures correctly starts with keeping the area clean and using a sterile technique, plus unthreading the knot rather than pulling the suture through the wound. Begin by putting on sterile gloves and cleaning the incision to reduce infection risk. Then grab the knot of the first suture and lift it gently off the skin so you don’t drag any thread through the wound. Cut one side of the suture below the knot, as close to the skin as possible, to form a free strand. Grasp the knot with forceps and pull the cut end through the skin, which unthreads the suture from the knot without tearing tissue. Repeat for the remaining sutures, removing the edges last, and dispose of everything in a biohazard bag. Reapply dressing if needed. This approach minimizes tissue trauma, preserves wound integrity, and helps prevent infection.