Basic Laceration Repair

Question 1

When repairing a laceration, you should insert the needle in the skin at a ___ degree angle, and take a ___________ path through the tissues.

Answer 1

90 degree

curvilinear

Question 2

Ideally, which should be greater, the bite depth or the bite width?

Answer 2

The bite depth

Question 3

Eversion of wound edges is necessary for…

Answer 3

…proper healing and the best cosmetic result.

Question 4

What should not be done to the wound edges with the forceps?

Answer 4

Pinching of the edges

Question 5

Generally speaking, the space between sutures is…

Answer 5

…approximately equal to the bite width.

Question 6

Facial sutures should be removed within __ days to prevent ________.

Answer 6

5 days

scarring

Question 7

Sutures on the scalp, torso, and extremities should be removed in how long?

Answer 7

7 - 10 days

Question 8

For sutures of lacerations overlying areas of high tension such as joints, how long should they remain in?

Answer 8

10 - 14 days

Question 9

Although antibiotics are not needed for simple, clean lacerations, if they are required, what type is adequate for most wounds?

Answer 9

Antibiotics with coverage against gram-positive organisms (such as first generation cephalosporins).

Question 10

Instruct the patient to avoid exposing the healing wound to direct sunlight for __ to __ months, since such exposure could cause _________________ of the scar.

Answer 10

6 - 12 months

hyperpigmentation

Question 11

What is the technical name for Dermabond?

Answer 11

2-octylcyanoacrylate