Perform Suture Removal

Medical Assisting

Materials Included

Text
Video
Anatomy
Simulation
Quiz

Learn how to remove sutures and practice the steps of the procedure as often as you want, until you feel confident.

This module provides a detailed explanation of how to remove sutures. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator offers two scenarios that test your ability to remove sutures: with a leg wound as an example, you must either remove all the sutures and use steri-strips if required, or remove alternate sutures. Practice the steps of the procedures as often as you want, until you feel confident. This module is based on the entry-level competencies for which the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) test the Medical Assistant.

You’ll learn

about different suture types and the appropriate situations for their use
pre-procedure considerations for suture removal
how to apply sterile technique
to visualize the anatomical structures and components of the skin, comprising the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers
to practice and perfect your skills in inspection of the suture line, removing sutures and applying a dressing
to describe the wound healing process and wound care recommendations
correct documentation and post-procedure requirements
relevant medical terminology
much more (see Content Details for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Equipment preparation

Step 1.2 - Medical assistant preparation

Step 1.3 - Patient preparation

Step 2 - Expose the wound

Step 2.1 - Position the patient

Step 2.2 - Medical assistant position

Step 3 - Inspect the suture line

Step 4 - Remove the sutures

Step 5 - Apply the dressing

Step 6 - Complete the procedure

Describe pre-procedure considerations for suture removal.
Describe and demonstrate the preparation for suture removal.
Describe and demonstrate sterile technique.
Describe different suture types and the appropriate situations for their use.
Describe and demonstrate suture removal.
Describe wound healing.
Describe and demonstrate wound care.
Describe and demonstrate correct post-procedure considerations.
Define and demonstrate correct recording and reporting procedures.
Define and use related medical terminology.
Understand and apply Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
Explain the Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA), Patient Safety Act, and Patients' Bill of Rights.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long