Week 7 Flashcards
Know the various steps to performing an I and D of an abscess.
Anesthetize; open lesion with #11; let contents drain; gently express the contents of the abscess – can be painful; if needed, break up pockets; pack cavity; dress wound with minor surgery tincture; have pt change dressing daily; repeat until induration and redness is clear and the wound is healing well.
What are the possible pitfalls of attempting to drain an abscess before it has formed (is “ripe”)?
Bleeding without obtaining drainage; potential of spreading the infection.
Why use a cruciate incision?
It helps prevent premature wound closure during drainage.
What does it mean to “advance the drain”?
Have pt gradually advance drain out of the opening each day (about an inch per day) and trim off the end then re-bandage.
Review the videos for Lift-and-Snip, Shave biopsy, and Punch biopsy.
Done & done
FACT: Ellipses should be 3:1 configuration ratio with _____ degrees angles at the ends.
30*
Why is the goal to cut skin edges perpendicular to the surface when doing elliptical excisions?
Why is the goal to cut skin edges perpendicular to the surface when doing elliptical excisions? For better approximation and better eversion on closure
Know the options for when a wound dehisces.
Partial: watch for infection; debride; monitor tension on remaining suture; let heal by “granulating in” second intention. Larger: open wound, debride; re-suture in no sign of infection and less than 24 hours has passed; if infected, may need to allow for second intention closure and consider antibiotics.
What are the two options as methods of anesthesia for removing part/all of the finger/toenail?
1) digital block 1A
or
2) digital block 1B
Name two reasons for/advantages of using the Running lock suture.
Watertight seal, good for gathering loose skin
