Medical Assistant Prep / Unit 15 MAS 363 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Removing Staples
The idea
Staples are removed with a sterile staple extractor, in a set way that avoids pulling on the wound.
In practice
Step one: confirm the order, explain that the patient may feel pulling or pinching, and inspect the wound. Step two: clean the incision as directed, and place sterile gauze nearby to collect the staples. Step three: slide the lower tip of the extractor under a staple. Step four: close the handle fully without pulling up or tilting your wrist; this bends the staple so that both ends lift out of the skin. Step five: lift the staple away and release it onto the gauze. Step six: remove every second staple first, then the rest if the wound stays closed, and apply adhesive closure strips if ordered.
Where people slip
Pulling up while squeezing the handle tears the skin. Let the closed handle do the work, and stop if the wound edges separate.
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