Wound Closure & Healing Flashcards

Which suture technique produces the most cosmetically acceptable scar with minimal cross-hatch marks?

Answer: Subcuticular (intradermal) suture

The subcuticular suture runs beneath the skin surface, avoiding percutaneous punctures and eliminating cross-hatch scarring.

A patient develops a keloid after surgery. This is BEST described as:

Answer: Excessive collagen deposition extending beyond wound margins

Keloids result from overproduction of collagen that grows beyond the original wound boundaries, unlike hypertrophic scars which stay within the wound margins.

When passing a needle holder loaded with suture to the surgeon, the scrub technologist should:

Answer: Pass it handle-first with the needle pointing away

Suture is passed handle-first with the needle pointing away from both the surgeon's and technologist's hands to prevent needlestick injury.

Which type of wound closure material works by using tissue adhesive (cyanoacrylate) to bond wound edges?

Answer: Dermabond

Dermabond is a topical skin adhesive made of cyanoacrylate that polymerizes on contact with tissue to close superficial wounds.

The MOST important factor that delays wound healing in a diabetic patient is:

Answer: Impaired microvascular circulation and neuropathy

Diabetes impairs microvascular function and neuropathy reduces sensation, both of which compromise oxygen and nutrient delivery to healing tissue.

Which suture needle type is used for suturing bowel or other delicate hollow viscera?

Answer: Taper (round) needle

Taper (round) needles penetrate tissue by separating fibers without cutting, reducing the risk of tearing fragile hollow organs.

Wound dehiscence refers to:

Answer: Partial or complete separation of wound edges

Dehiscence is the separation of wound edges following surgical closure, which can occur due to infection, poor nutrition, or excess tension.