RN Exam Practice
Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 395 of 2368

While removing every second suture from an incision, the nurse notices that the wound edges are beginning to open. Which action should the nurse take?

  1. Stop removing sutures, apply Steri-Strips, and notify the provider
  2. Remove all remaining sutures so the wound can drain
  3. Continue removing sutures and apply a dry dressing
  4. Remove the next suture and reassess after the procedure
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Correct answer: Stop removing sutures, apply Steri-Strips, and notify the provider

If the edges are open, suture removal stops. Steri-Strips are applied and the provider is notified.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Wound Care: Checklist for Intermittent Suture Removal. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026