Patient examination
Authors: Christoffer Bing Madsen med. student and Magnus Balslev Avnstorp MD.
Before suturing a laceration /a wound it is crucial to perform a neurovascular assessment. Always check the following:
- Pulse/capillary response distal to the laceration.
- Sensation distal to the laceration.
- Motor function distal to the laceration
- Other lacerations or traumas
- Patient status
The laceration should must be examinated:
- Sign of infection? (Pus or greyish fluid draining from the laceration, yellow pimple/scab formed, swelling, increased redness and pain)
- Any foreign bodies must be removed
- In many cases the laceration need to be cleaned before suturing
