Final Answer:
The nurse will perform the following actions in order when planning to remove surgical staples:
1. Wash hands and put on gloves.
2. Assess the surgical incision.
3. Explain the procedure to the patient.
4. Gather the necessary equipment.
5. Remove the sterile dressing.
6. Remove the staples using a sterile staple remover.
7. Apply a new sterile dressing.
8. Document the procedure in the patient's chart.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse initiates the staple removal procedure by ensuring infection control through proper hand hygiene, including washing hands and donning gloves (1). Subsequently, the nurse assesses the surgical incision to evaluate its healing progress and identify any signs of infection or complications (2). Communication with the patient is crucial in providing information about the upcoming procedure, addressing any concerns, and obtaining consent (3).
To prepare for the staple removal, the nurse gathers the necessary equipment, ensuring everything is readily available for a smooth process (4). The removal begins with taking off the sterile dressing covering the surgical site (5). The nurse then utilizes a sterile staple remover to carefully and aseptically remove the staples from the incision site (6). Following the staple removal, a new sterile dressing is applied to protect the wound and promote healing (7). Lastly, the nurse documents the entire procedure, detailing the staple removal process and the patient's response in the medical chart (8).
This systematic approach ensures patient safety, infection prevention, and accurate documentation in compliance with healthcare standards and protocols.