Abscess Incision and Drainage Flashcards
Most localized skin abscesses without associated __________ can be managed without ___________.
cellulitis
antibiotics
What does it means that an abscess is fluctuant?
pertaining to a wavelike motion that is detected when a structure containing a liquid is palpated
Most cutaneous abscesses are appropriate for incision and drainage when they are larger than _ __ in diameter and are __ __ __________ ________.
5 mm
in an accessible location
The transient bacteremia associated with incision and drainage may require special considerations for patients at increased risk for endocarditis, such as those with…
…abnormal or artificial heart valves.
What does it mean to say that the “physical examination is equivocal”?
That the findings of the physical exam have 2 or more possible explanations.
Abscesses of the _____, _____, or __________ _____ can be associated with complications and may require consultation with an appropriate surgical specialist.
Palms, soles, nasolabial folds
What equipment is needed for this procedure?
18 items total
Think “me, clean, anesthetize, cut/dissect/irrigate, swab/pack/dress”
Sterile gown
Sterile gloves
Face mask with shield (these 3 things are for me)
Chloroprep Sterile gauze (2 things to clean)
1% Lidocaine (or other anesthetic agent)
a 5-to-10-ml syringe
25 or 30-gauge needle (3 things to anesthetize)
Scalpel blade #11 or 15
Small curved hemostat
NS with a sterile bowl
Large syringe with a splash guard (6 things for cutting, dissecting, and irrigating)
Swabs for bacterial culture
Wound packing material
Scissors
Tape
What may be used instead of a lidocaine which has an extended duration of action?
bupivacaine
How can you orient your incision to optimize cosmetic results?
Make your incision parallel to existing skin-tension lines
Continue irrigation until…
…the effluent is clear.
What can occur as a result of overpacking the wound?
Tissue ischemia
Impedance of purulent drainage
Wound packing should be removed in…
…a few days.
Continued drainage at the first follow-up visit is common for abscesses that required…
… extensive initial drainage.
In the absence of other signs of worsening infection, extensive drainage for several days is not…
…an indication for treatment with antibiotics.
If an abscess recurs despite adequate drainage, further investigation may be warranted to rule out…
…staphylococcal colonization, or anatomic, immunologic, or infectious disorders.
