What should you do after removing sutures?

Counting sutures before and after removal is a critical step in ensuring that all materials have been properly removed and that no foreign bodies remain in the patient's tissue. This practice helps to prevent complications such as infection or inflammation that could arise from leaving a suture in place. It is an essential part of maintaining patient safety, making sure that the healing process proceeds without issue.

While applying a bandage may be necessary in some cases, it is not the immediate priority after suture removal; ensuring all sutures are accounted for comes first. Documenting the removal procedure is important, but it should include the counting of sutures as part of the overall procedure. Checking for patient satisfaction may be of value in a different context, but it does not directly relate to the critical safety measures following suture removal. Therefore, counting sutures provides a safeguard against potential complications and allows for proper documentation of the procedure.