Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

What should be avoided when removing stitches from a patient?

1. Cleaning the wound with iodine

2. Cutting the stitch on both sides

3. Pulling the external part of the stitch under the skin

4. Cutting it below the knot closest to the skin

The correct answer is: Cutting the stitch on both sides

In the process of removing stitches, it is important to follow specific techniques to prevent tissue damage and promote proper healing. Cutting the stitch on both sides can be detrimental because it may compromise the integrity of the wound and lead to the risk of infection. The proper technique involves cutting the suture material only on one side, which allows the stitch to be gently pulled out without placing additional tension on the surrounding tissues. This method minimizes trauma to the skin or underlying structures and promotes a smoother healing process. While cleaning the wound with iodine can assist in reducing the risk of infection, it is sometimes seen as unnecessary and could be avoided if the wound is already clean. Pulling the external part of the stitch under the skin can introduce bacteria into the wound, increasing the risk of infection. Similarly, cutting it below the knot closest to the skin could leave a portion of the stitch behind, which may lead to irritation or infection. Understanding the correct techniques ensures both the safety and comfort of the patient during the suture removal process.