Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Advance Practice Nursing Procedures
Advance Practice Nursing Procedures
Advanced Practice
Nursing Procedures
DATE OF SUBMITTED- 23/08/2020
SUBMITTED TO
Miss Arpandeep kaur
Assistant professor
Dept. of community health nursing
SUBMITTED BY
Charanjit kaur
M.SC nursing 1st year
Medical surgical nursing
31
Section One
Dermatological Procedures
Biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the skin for microscopic
exam- nation. Partial or full thickness of skin over the lesion is removed for
evaluation.
OVERVIEW
Punch biopsy is used for full and partial dermal lesions such as
●
Basal cell carcinoma
●
Squamous cell carcinoma
●
Actinic keratosis
●
Seborrheic keratosis
●
Lentigo (freckles)
●
Lipomas
●
Melanomas
●
Nevi
●
Warts—verruca vulgaris
RATIONALE
●
To confirm etiology of lesion for treatment
●
To establish or confirm a diagnosis for treatment and/or intervention
1
2 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
INDICATIONS
●
Partial- or full-dermal-thickness lesion not on the face, eye, lip, or penis
CONTRAINDICATIONS
●
Lesion on eyelid, lip, or penis, REFER to a physician.
●
Infection at the site of the biopsy
●
Bleeding disorder
●
Lesions that are deep or on the face, REFER to a physician.
◗ Informed consent required
PROCEDURE
Punch Biopsy
Equipment
●
Antiseptic skin cleanser
●
Drape—sterile
●
Gloves—sterile
●
Disposable biopsy punch (Fig. 1.1)
●
Pickups—sterile
●
Scissors—sharp for the fine tissue—sterile
●
3-mL syringe
●
27- to 30-gauge, ½-inch needle
●
1% lidocaine
●
Container with 10% formalin
●
4 × 4 gauze
Procedure
●Position the client so that the area to be biopsied is easily accessible.
●Cleanse the skin with antiseptic skin cleanser.
●Put on gloves.
●Drape the area to be biopsied.
●Anesthetize with 1% lidocaine.
●With the thumb and index finger, spread the skin to apply tension opposite
natural skin tension lines. This allows a more elliptical-shaped wound for easy
closure.
●Apply biopsy punch to skin, rotate per manufacturer’s directions, and remove
the punch (Fig. 1.2).
●With pickups, pull up loosened skin.
●Cut with scissors, and place tissue in tissue container of 10% formalin (Fig.
1.3).
●If less than 2 to 3 mm, apply nonstick dressing and pressure dressing.
●If greater than 4 mm, apply Steri-Strips and cover with 4 × 4 gauze.
●Apply Kling and secure with tape.
Client Instructions
●Keep dressing clean, dry, and in place for 48 hours to decrease the chance of
bleeding and oozing.
●Avoid touching or contaminating the area biopsied.
●To prevent the chance of infection, take cephalexin (Keflex) 500 mg three times
per day or amoxicillin (Amoxil) 500 mg twice a day for 5 days.
●
Some redness, swelling, and heat are normal. Return
to the office if symptoms of infection occur, such as
● Yellow or green drainage
● Red streaks
● Pain
● Elevated temperature
●
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen
(Motrin) every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
De Vries HJ, Zeegelaar JE, Middelkoop E, et al. Reduced wound
contraction and scar formation in punch biopsy wounds. Native
collagen dermal substitutes. A clinical study. Br J Dermatol.
1995;132(5):690–697.
Zuber TJ. Ingrown toenail removal. Am Fam Physician. 2002;65(12):2547–
2550.
Chapter 2 | Skin 5
2
Biopsy
Chapter
Skin Biopsy
Margaret R. Collar
HEALTH PROMOTION/PREVENTION
● Inspect the skin periodically for lesions.
● Note lesions that change size or color, are irregular, or are
painful.
OPTIONS
● Method 1—Shave biopsy
●
Use for elevated skin lesions such as
• Skin tags
• Benign nevi (interdermal)
• Epithelial tags
• Small basal cell carcinomas
• Condyloma acuminatum
• Cherry angiomas
• Actinic keratosis
• Seborrheic keratosis
• Lentigo (freckles)
• Verruca vulgaris (warts)
6 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
●
Method 2—Curettage biopsy
● Use for
• Seborrheic keratosis
• Superficial basal cell carcinomas
• Crusting actinic keratosis
●
Method 3—Elliptical excisional biopsy
● Use for full-dermal-thickness lesions such as
RATIONALE
●
To confirm or make a diagnosis of a skin lesion
●
To determine definitive treatment of a skin lesion
●
To remove a disfiguring or painful lesion
INDICATIONS
●
Nonmalignant skin lesions not on the eyelid, lip, face, or penis
●
Superficial skin lesions
CONTRAINDICATIONS
●
Infection is suspected at biopsy site
●
Bleeding disorder
●
If melanoma is suspected, do not use shave or curettage.
Elliptical excision is preferred.
●
If on eyelid, lip, face, or penis, REFER to a physician.
●
If deep lesions, REFER to a physician.
◗ Informed consent required
PROCEDURE
Skin Biopsy
Equipment
●
Methods 1, 2, and 3
Chapter 2 | Skin 7
● Antiseptic skin cleanser Biopsy
● Drape—sterile
● Gloves—nonsterile
● 3-mL syringe
1% lidocaine
●
Pickups—sterile (optional)
●
● Method 1 only
● Method 2 only
Dermal curette
●
● Method 3 only
4 × 4 gauze
●
Procedure
METHOD 1—SHAVE BIOPSY
● Position the client for comfort with the area of the skin lesion easily accessible.
● Cleanse the skin lesion and a 3-inch-diameter circle around the lesion.
● Put on gloves.
to create a wheal.
● Incise lesion parallel to the skin (Fig. 2.1).
● Cauterize the base of the wound or apply Monsel’s solution to retard bleeding.
● Put on gloves.
to create a wheal.
● Scrape the lesion with the curette (Fig. 2.2).
● Cauterize the base of the wound or apply Monsel’s solution to retard bleeding.
skin tension lines. The outline should be three times longer than
it is wide.
Chapter 2 | Skin 9
Biopsy
Figure 2.2 Curettage biopsy. Scrape the lesion with the curette.
●
Cleanse the skin lesion and a 3-inch-diameter area around the lesion.
●
Put on gloves.
●
Inject 1% lidocaine under the lesion using a 27- to 30-gauge needle
to create a wheal that covers the entire area of the proposed
incision.
●
Drape the area.
●
Incise around the outline with the scalpel (Fig. 2.3).
●
Pull up a corner of skin with pickups.
10 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
● Pull tissue as you excise just below full thickness of the tissue.
● Start at one corner and work to the center.
● Go to the other corner and work toward the center.
● Closure
• Undermine the edges of the wound to release the tension (Fig. 2.4).
• Incise the subcutaneous tissue the entire length of each side of the
wound with the scalpel.
Chapter 2 | Skin 1
Biopsy 1
Client Instructions
●
Some inflammation (redness, swelling, and pain) is normal.
●
To prevent infection, keep the dressing in place for 24 hours, then
remove the dressing and keep the area clean and dry. After the
second day, you may wash the area gently with soap and water.
Monitor for signs of infection, such as
● Yellow and green drainage
● Red streaks
● Excessive pain
● Elevated temperature
●
Return to the office immediately if infection occurs.
●
Some bleeding and oozing are normal for the first 24 to 48
hours. If your bandage becomes soaked with blood, reapply dry
gauze and pressure. If the bleeding does not stop, notify your
practitioner.
●
Avoid tension to the wound area by limiting movement. Tension may
cause the wound to pull apart. If the wound does pull apart, notify
the practitioner.
●
Take Tylenol No. 3 (acetaminophen with codeine) every 4 to 6
hours as needed for pain. When the pain lessens, take Tylenol or
ibuprofen (Motrin) every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
●
Return to the office (in ) for stitch removal (depends on
12 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
site sutured; see Table 22.1).
Chapter 3 | Wood’s Light2 Examination
Chapter | Skin 111
Biopsy 3
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pfenninger JL, Fowler GC. Procedures for Primary Care Physicians. St. Louis, MO:
Mosby; 2011.
Surajachar MD. Principles of skin biopsies for the family physician. Am Fam Physician,
1996;54(8):2411–2418.
Walters GK. Managing soft tissue wounds. Adv Nurse Pract. 1996;4(3):37–40, 54.
Zuber TJ, Dewitt DE. The fusiform excision. Am Fam Physician. 1994;49(2):371–376.
OVERVIEW
● Most common dermatological lesions that fluoresce are listed in Table 3.1.
● Detection of chemicals applied to the skin. Affected areas are a
different color from that of the surrounding skin.
Prior cleansing of the area to be examined causes false-negative result.
●
RATIONALE
● Skin—To allow the clinician to differentiate dermatological
presentation of types of bacterial, fungal, and pigmented lesions
found on the skin
12 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
Lesions and Parasites With the Wood’s Light
Fluorescence Table
of 3∙1
LESION FLUORESCENCE
Erythrasma
Corynebacterium minutissimum Varying shades of pink to coral red
Tinea Capitis (Three Varieties)
Microsporum audouinii Brilliant green
M. canis Brilliant green
Trichophyton schoenleinii Pale green
Tinea Versicolor Yellow to deep green
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Blue green to green
Pigmentation Alterations
Albinism Cold bright white
Ash-leaf spot of tuberous sclerosis Blue-white
Depigmentation Cold bright white
Hypopigmentation Blue-white
Hyperpigmentation Purple-brown
Leprosy Blue-white
Vitiligo Blue-white
Squamous cell carcinoma* Bright red
Common Parasitic Infestations
Scabies Magnification of trac and/ mite
k or
Pediculos (capitis, corporis, pubis) Visualization o louse
is f
* The diagnosis of this dermatological disorder should be made by pathological assessment.
●
Eye—To allow the visual assessment of injuries to the cornea and
conjunctiva with fluorescein staining
●
Urine—To screen for porphyria—a rare metabolic disorder
●
Clinical evaluation of dermatitis, the eye, or urine by the unaided eye
alone may result in an inappropriate assessment and render an
unsuccessful treatment regimen.
INDICATIONS
●
Skin or hair lesions
●
Corneal abrasion
●
Suspicion of porphyria
Chapter 4 | Abscesses—Incision and Drainage 13
CONTRAINDICATIONS
PROCEDUR
●
None
E
14 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
Wood’s Light—Skin
Equipment
● Wood’s light
● Darkened room
Procedure
●Have the client position himself or herself comfortably.
●Explain to the client that the Wood’s light has the
same characteristics as a typical black light; the room
will be darkened, and the black light will be turned
on to examine for fluorescence of the lesion in
question.
●Have all lights turned off.
●Hold the Wood’s light approximately 6 to 8 inches
from the lesion in question, and observe the
characteristics of the fluorescence of the lesion.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Driscoll C, Bope ET. The Family Practice Desk Reference. 4th ed.
St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2002. Habif T. Clinical Dermatology: A
Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. St. Louis,
MO: Mosby; 2011.
Murtagh J. Practice Tips. 5th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2008.
4
Chapter 4 | Abscesses—Incision and Drainage 15
PROCEDUR
E
Chapter
CPT Code
10060Incision and drainage of abscess
10080 Incision and drainage of pilonidal cyst; simple Incision and drainage of pilonidal cyst; compli
10081
10140 Incision and drainage of hematoma or seroma or fluid collection
●
Paronychia—an abscess or cellulitis of the nail folds, usually the
proximal and lateral edges
●
Pilonidal cyst—an abscess located in the gluteal fold close to
the anus, caused by an ingrown hair. One or more sinus
openings may exist. Males are more prone than females to
develop pilonidal cysts. Younger people have pilonidal cysts
more often than do the elderly.
●
Perianal cyst—an abscess around or close to the anus
OVERVIEW
●
Causative organisms of most abscesses
● Staphylococcus aureus
● Streptococcus species
●
Areas of most frequent occurrence of abscesses
● Extremities
● Axillae
● Buttocks
● Hair follicles
HEALTH PROMOTION/PREVENTION
●
Cleanse skin daily with an antiseptic soap such as unscented Dial soap.
●
Do not squeeze face lesions.
●
Do not shave closely.
●
Discourage nail biting and finger sucking.
RATIONALE
●
To diminish pain
●
To promote healing
INDICATIONS
●
Collection of pus causing pain and/or not resolved by use of an antibiotic
●
Small abscesses
●
Small abscesses that enlarge
●
Large abscesses
Chapter 4 | Abscesses—Incision and Drainage 17
CONTRAINDICATIONS
PROCEDUR
●
Abscesses
E on the face in the triangle of the bridge of the nose
and corners of the mouth.
● Use conservative measures to decrease or prevent the
● 3- to 10-mL syringe
● 4 × 4 gauze—sterile
● No. 11 scalpel
● Drape—sterile
● Gloves—sterile
● Curved hemostats—sterile
● Culture swab
● Scissors—sterile
● Tape
Procedure
● Position the client with the abscess easily accessible.
● Cleanse the abscess and a 3-inch-diameter area surrounding the
abscess with antiseptic skin cleanser.
● Drape the abscess with a sterile drape.
● Put on gloves.
PROCEDUR
E
Incision line
Figure 4.1 Incise the abscess deep and wide to allow easy drainage and
to prevent premature closure.
Figure 4.2 Obtain a culture from deep inside the wound cavity.
Iodoform gauze
●
If the matrix is involved and an abscess has formed a
subungual (under the fingernail) tract, use a hot paperclip
or cautery tip to bore through the nail to drain pus and
blood.
● Partial removal of nail plate may be needed (see Chapter 10).
●
Lift the proximal nail fold. If purulent material is not released
freely, incise the skin at the point of highest tension using the
No. 11 scalpel.
●
Obtain a culture by inserting the culturette deeply into the
wound cavity or by withdrawing purulent drainage with a
syringe and 18-gauge needle.
●
Explore the abscess cavity. Break down any sacs or septa using curved
hemostats.
●
After expressing all purulent material, pack with iodoform gauze,
leaving a small amount protruding from the wound.
●
Dress with sterile gauze.
●
Cover with tube gauze.
Procedure
●
Same as incision and drainage of furuncle except
● Position patient in left lateral or lithotomy position.
sinus.
chloride.
Pack with iodoform gauze, leaving a small amount hanging from the
●
wound.
Dress with sterile gauze or peripad.
●
Client Instructions
● Return to the office in 2 days to have dressing changed.
● Observe for signs and symptoms of infection, such as
Yellow or green drainage
●
Red streaks
●
Increasing pain
●
Elevated temperature
●
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Armstrong JH, Barcia PJ. Pilonidal sinus disease. The conservative approach.
Arch Surg.
1994;129:914–917.
Johnson RA. Cyst removal. Punch, push, pull. Skin. 1995;1(1):14–15.
Pfenninger JL, Fowler GC. Procedures for Primary Care Physicians. St.
Louis, MO: Mosby; 2011.
Chapter 4 | Abscesses—Incision and Drainage 21
5 Chapter
Bites
Ants, Arthropods (Spiders), Bees,
and Wasps
Cynthia Ehrhardt
CPT Code
Fire ant bite
Superficial bite without mention of infection
(includes nonvenomous spider bites, non–
fire ant bites, bee bites, and wasp bites)
Superficial nonvenomous infected bite
Bee sting (allergic or shock)
Spider bite, venomous
Bites are puncture wounds and tears in the skin, with injection
of a proteolytic, venomous chemical, by an insect. Treatment of a
bite depends on the type of offend- ing organism, depth of the
puncture, and extent of the tear in the skin.
OVERVIEW
●
Incidence—In the southeastern United States, at least 60% of
the population has been stung by these insects.
●
Hemolysis and cutaneous infarct lead to necrosis of tissue at
the site over a period of hours to days. Extent of the
hemolysis and cutaneous infarct determines treatment
regimen.
●
Severe reactions present with symptoms such as
● Generalized urticaria
● Angioedema
● Respiratory difficulty
●
Use natural organic and pesticide chemical controls.
●
Observe for and avoid anthills.
●
Avoid going barefoot in grassy areas.
Chapter 5 | 21
Bites
Table 5∙1 Clinical Manifestations of Insect Bites
Fire Ant and Harvester Ant Bite
• Reactions of a mild to moderate nature will present as a localized
response (urticaria wheal, localized induration, and erythema) and
initially be painful, but decrease over time.
• Have small whitish pustule, central core with minimal erythema after
the first 24 hr. After 48 hr, the white pustule remains but erythema
subsides.
Brown Recluse and Black Widow
• Brown recluse bites
• Painful
• Blue cyanotic center surrounded by pallor and erythema
• Necrotic ulcers within hours to days
• Black widow bites
• Sharp stinging
• Easy to overlook—white center with trace erythema
• Necrotic ulcers within hours to days
RATIONALE
● To prevent infection
● To diminish inflammation
● To diminish discomfort
22 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
INDICATIONS
● Bite by ant, spider, bee, or wasp
CONTRAINDICATIONS
● None
PROCEDURE
Bites
Equipment
● Basin—sterile
● Povidone-iodine (Betadine) soak or antibacterial soap
● Gloves—sterile
● Meat tenderizer paste—1 part water mixed with 1 part meat tenderizer
● Ice pack
● Magnifying lens—optional
Procedure
● Inspect area for puncture wound. (In early spider bites, it is possible to visualize
the two-fang puncture bite.)
Chapter 5 | 23
● Bites allowing
Avoid warm compresses to the bite area. Heat causes vasodilation,
bite venom to be circulated more quickly.
● Dry gently.
Client Instructions
● Keep the wound clean and dry.
● Apply cool compresses to the bite for 12 to 24 hours to lessen
localized inflammation.
● Antibiotics are not required.
● To relieve pain
antibiotic ointment has not shown benefit or harm when applied to the
bite.
●Use hydrogen peroxide to remove any crusts.
●Wash gently with soapy water and blot area dry.
●Unless the wound is oozing, do not cover.
●Return to the office in 2 days for moderately severe brown recluse and
black widow spider bites. If mild bite, return to the office in 5 to 7 days.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Habif T. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. St.
Louis, MO: Mosby; 2009.
Matzen R, Lang R. (1993). Clinical Preventive Medicine. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 1993.
Miller T. (1992). Latrodectism. Bite of black widow spider. Am Fam Physician.
1992;45(1):45–56.
Murtagh J. Practice Tips. 5th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2011.
Pfenninger JL, Fowler GC. Procedures for Primary Care Physicians. St. Louis, MO:
Mosby; 2011.
Chapter 5 | 25
6
Bites
Chapter
Bites
Cats, Dogs, and Humans bites
Margaret R. Collar
genitalia
● Complicating factors
● Cat and dog bites—Saliva contains gram-negative bacteria—
Pasteurella multocida.
● Human bites—Saliva contains 10 bacteria per milliliter, including
HEALTH PROMOTION/PREVENTION
● Teach appropriate behavior around animals.
● Do not provoke attacks.
RATIONALE
● To prevent bacterial infection in the wound
● To promote wound healing
26 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
INDICATIONS
● Necrosis
Chapter 6 | 25
Bites
CONTRAINDICATIONS
● Bite on the face, REFER to plastic surgeon or emergency department.
● Blood supply has been disrupted, REFER to emergency department.
◗ Informed consent required
Determine the following
● Origin of the bite
● Patient (if younger than 4 years old and older than 50 years, there
● Location
● Size
● Depth
infection) and amount of time that has elapsed between the bite and
treatment. Keep in mind that an area of poor vascularity is at greater
risk for infection and poor healing. Do a culture and Gram stain of
the wound.
PROCEDURE
Bites
Equipment
● Basin—sterile
● Povidone-iodine (Betadine) soak—povidone-iodine solution and
0.9% sterile sodium chloride mixed 50/50
● Gloves—sterile
● Syringe—20 to 60 mL
● 1% lidocaine
● Scissors—sterile
● Curved hemostats—sterile
● Forceps—sterile
● 4 × 4 gauze—sterile
● Culture swab
Procedure
● Culture the wound if the bite is 72 hours old. If the client has an
elevated temperature, get a complete blood count, erythrocyte
sedimentation rate, and possibly blood cultures.
● If area of bite was on hands or feet, soak in povidone-iodine
● Insert iodoform gauze snugly with a ½ inch protruding from the wound.
Client Instructions
● To prevent infection, abscess, cellulitis, septicemia, or osteomyelitis,
take oral antibiotics (penicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate [Augmentin], or
erythromycin as prescribed) for 5 to 7 days.
● Observe for signs and symptoms of infection, such as
● Increase in pain after 24 hours
● Increase in temperature
● Redness or swelling
● Foul odor
● To relieve pain
● Take Tylenol No. 3 every 4 to 6 hours for 24 hours, then
● Elevate the wounded part above the heart for 48 hours or as long as possible.
years.
● Return to the office in 2 days for a recheck.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brandenberg MA, Quick G, et al. (1995). Hand injuries: assessing the
damage, closing the wound, preventing infection. Consultant.
December 1995:1777–1786.
Lewis KT, Stiles M. Management of cat and dog bites. Am Fam Physician.
1995;52(2):479–485.
Chapter 7 | 27
7
Burns
Chapter
Burns
Debridement
Cynthia R. Ehrhardt
area (more than one extremity)
OVERVIEW
● Incidence
An estimated 2 million burns occur per year, with 25% of
●
● Psychosocial trauma
● Steam
28 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
Adults
8%
18%
Front
18%
Back
9% 9%
Children 1%
Perineum
18%*
18%18%
18%
Front
9% 18% 9%
Back
14%† 14%†
HEALTH PROMOTION/PREVENTION
Health promotion is focused on eliminating situations that can result in
injury to the skin. These measures include
● Promotion of safety habits
● Use of protective clothing when working with agents that can traumatize skin
Prevention includes
● Avoiding sunburn by use of sunscreens, generally skin protection
● Keeping cooking pot handles pointed away from stove edge so that
● Wearing gloves and goggles when mixing and using household chemicals
OPTIONS
● First-degree burns—Treat in the office with
● Analgesics
● Antipyretics
● Skin lubricants
● Removal of blisters
● Topical antibiotics
RATIONALE
● To minimize scarring and contractures
● To prevent infection
● To provide pain relief
INDICATIONS
● First-degree burns
● Second-degree superficial partial-thickness burns over less than 20% of BSA
CONTRAINDICATIONS
● Suspected deep second-degree or third-degree burn
● Suspected tendon, muscle, or bone involvement
● Meets criteria for hospitalization
● Circumferential burns of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs
● All but minimal burns of the eyes, ears, feet, perineum, genitalia, or hands
PROCEDURE
Burn—Debridement
Equipment
● Towels or sheets—sterile
● Gloves—sterile
● 3-mL syringe
● 4 × 4 gauze—sterile
● Gauze wrap—sterile
● Tape
● Topical antimicrobial cream, ointment, or medicated gauze (Table 7 .2)
● Iris scissors
Procedure
● Put on gloves.
● Anesthetize the wound by local or digital block.
● Irrigate the wound sufficiently with 0.09% sodium chloride (usually
● Remove excess tissue, and drain any bullae or blisters present using
Client Instructions
● Observe for signs of infection including
Increased redness and warmth at the site
●
● Red streaks
● Pain medication
● Avoid nonsteroidal drug usage because these drugs tend to retard
healing.
● Take Tylenol No. 3 every 4 hours as needed initially, then
acetaminophen.
● The deeper the burn, the greater the risk of permanent skin color
changes.
● Receive a tetanus injection if none has been given in the past 5 years.
● Avoid sunburn to the burned area for 6 months to 1 year
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pfenninger JL, Fowler GC. Procedures for Primary Care Physicians. St.
Louis, MO: Mosby; 2011.
Trott A. Wounds and Lacerations: Emergency Care and Closure. St. Louis, MO:
Mosby; 2012.
36 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
8 Chapter
Digital Nerve Block
Margaret R. Collar
OVERVIEW
● Understanding of the neuroanatomy of the digit is necessary to perform
the digital block correctly (Fig. 8.1).
RATIONALE
● To diminish pain during invasive procedures
INDICATIONS
● Nail removal
● Ingrown toenail procedures
● Dislocation reduction
CONTRAINDICATIONS
● None
◗ Informed consent required
PROCEDURE
Digital Nerve Block
Equipment
● Antiseptic skin cleanser
● Gloves—nonsterile
● 3-mL syringe
● 4 × 4 gauze—sterile
Procedure
● Position the client supine with digit easily accessible.
● Cleanse the hand or foot with topical antiseptic skin cleanser.
● Put on gloves.
FINGERS
● Insert needle at 45-degree angle.
● Along the palmar crease on either side of the digit
TOES
● Insert the needle toward the plantar surface on both sides of the toe.
● Injection sites are below the nail on the outer edges of the toe. Be
● Massage gently.
● Wait 5 to 10 minutes.
36 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
Client Instructions
● Sensation to the finger or toe should return within 1 to 2
hours. If this does not occur, call the practitioner’s office.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brandenberg MA, Hawkins L, Quick G. Hand injuries: assessing the
damage, closing the wound, preventing infection. Consultant.
December 1995:1777–1786.
Kroop K, Trott A, Syverud S. Comparison of digital versus metacarpal blocks
forfinger
repair of Ann Emerg Med. 1994;23(6):1296–1300.
injuries.
9 Chapter
Fishhook Removal
Margaret R. Collar
OVERVIEW
●
Incidence
●
Dependent on geographical location and season
●
Estimated at approximately 0.5 million to 1 million incidents per year
●
Most common organisms found with secondary infection
●
Gram-positive: Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci
●
Gram-negative: Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas (salt water)
HEALTH PROMOTION/PREVENTION
●
Use good fishing technique.
●
Handle all fishhooks carefully.
●
Store all fishhooks properly.
●
Do not reach blindly into poorly lighted tackle boxes.
●
Do not fish close to another person casting a line.
OPTIONS
To remove fishhook with minimal local trauma
●
Method 1—Pull-through technique
Use with a single- or a multiple-barbed fishhook when
●
skin.
●
Method 3—Angler’s string-yank method
Use with a single-barbed fishhook that is embedded in such
●
RATIONALE
●
To relieve pain and anxiety
●
To diminish bacterial infection
●
To promote healing
INDICATIONS
●
Fishhook lodged in any subcutaneous tissue
●
Fishhook in or close to the eyes, REFER to a physician.
38 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
●
Suspected ligament involvement, REFER to an orthopedic physician.
●
Penetration into a large-bore artery, REFER to a surgeon.
◗ Informed consent required
PROCEDURE
Fishhook Removal
Equipment
●
Methods 1, 2, and 3
●
Antiseptic skin cleanser
●
Gloves—nonsterile
Chapter 9 | Fishhook 39
Removal
●3-mL syringe
●27- to 30-gauge, ½-inch needle
●1% lidocaine
● Method 1 only
Procedure
METHOD 1—PULL-THROUGH TECHNIQUE
● Position the client with fishhook easily accessible.
● Put on gloves.
● Inject 1% lidocaine using the 27- to 30-gauge needle at the point of the hook.
● Using pliers or hemostats, force the fishhook tip through the skin.
● Cut off the eye of the fishhook close to the skin with wire cutters.
● Attach pliers or hemostats to the sharp end of the hook and pull the hook
● Put on gloves.
● Cleanse the skin around the fishhook with antiseptic skin cleanser.
● Inject 1% lidocaine using the 27- to 30-gauge needle at the point of the hook.
● Insert the 18-gauge needle parallel to the hook with bevel toward
the inside curve of the hook (Fig. 9.2). Attempt to cover the barb
with the bevel of the needle.
● Back the hook and needle out as a unit.
● Put on gloves.
● Cleanse the skin around the fishhook with antiseptic skin cleanser.
● Inject 1% lidocaine using the 27- to 30-gauge needle at the point of the hook.
● Tie the string or suture around the hook where it enters the skin.
● With your finger, push the hook further into the skin, then lift the
shank of the hook parallel to the skin (Fig. 9.3). The barb should be
disengaged.
● Using the string or suture, quickly jerk the hook out.
Client Instructions
● Tetanus prophylaxis is necessary if last tetanus injection was more than
5 years before the current incident.
● Observe for signs and symptoms of infection, such as
● Increase in pain after 24 hours
● Redness or swelling
● Foul odor
Cover the sharp end of the hook with an 18-gauge needle. Back
Figure 9.2
the hook and needle out as a unit.
Chapter 9 | Fishhook 41
Removal
Figure 9.3 Push the fishhook downward with your finger. Using string or
suture, quickly jerk the hook out.
● If any signs and symptoms of infection are found, return to the office.
● Take antibiotics as ordered for 5 days—cephalexin 500 mg three
times per day or cefadroxil 500 mg twice per day—if infection is
probable.
● Use pain medications as ordered. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen every
4 to 6 hours as needed.
● Soak the affected part three times per day in warm salt water (1
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brandenberg MA, Hawkins L, Quick GG. Hand injuries: assessing the damage,
closing the wound, preventing infection. Consultant. December 1995:1777–
1786.
Pfenninger JL, Fowler GC. Procedures for Primary Care Physicians. St. Louis,
MO: Mosby; 2011.
Terrill P. Fishhook removal. Am Fam Physician. 1993;47(6):1372.
Chapter 10 | Nail 41
10
Removal
Chapter
Nail Removal
Margaret R. Collar
No code for cotton wick insertion—Use 11730–32 if part of the nail was
removed.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail edge grows into the
soft tissues, causing inflammation, erythema, pain, and, possibly,
abscess formation (Fig. 10.1). Many times there is an offending
nail spicule (small needle-shaped body) that must be removed.
OVERVIEW
● Causes
● Curved nails
trait
● Nails cut too short
● High-heeled shoes
HEALTH PROMOTION/PREVENTION
● Cut nails straight across.
● Notch center of nail with a V.
● Wear absorbent socks.
● Wear shoes that allow proper ventilation.
● Wear shoes that fit properly.
● Avoid high-heeled shoes.
● Use good foot hygiene.
42 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
Nail plate
Hyponychium
Sulcus
Lunula
Nail
base Eponychium
(cuticle)
Dorsal cutaneous
nerves
Bone
Dorsal deep
nerves
OPTIONS
● Method 1—Cotton wick insertion
A noninvasive technique to be used as the initial treatment. Six treatments
●
may be required.
● Method 2—Partial avulsion with phenolization
RATIONALE
● To diminish pain
● To prevent or relieve abscess formation
Chapter 10 | Nail 43
Removal
● To promote healing
● To prevent toenail regrowth
INDICATIONS
● Ingrown toenail without complicating medical history (onychocryptosis)
● Chronic, recurrent inflammation of the nail fold (paronychia)
CONTRAINDICATIONS
● Diabetes mellitus
● Peripheral vascular disease
● Peripheral neuropathy
● Anticoagulant therapy
● Bleeding abnormalities
● Immunocompromised state
PROCEDURE
Nail Removal
Equipment
● Method 1 only
● Antiseptic skin cleanser
● Gloves—nonsterile
● Splinter forceps—sterile
● Tincture of iodine
● 4 × 4 gauze—sterile
● Tape
● Method 2—Avulsion
● Tourniquet
● Gloves—sterile
● Drape—sterile
● Hemostat—sterile
● Surgical scissors—sterile
● Cotton swabs—sterile
44 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
● Silver nitrate stick
● 80% or 88% phenol
Chapter 10 | Nail 45
Removal
●
Alcohol swabs
●
Alcohol
●
Antibiotic ointment (Bactroban, Bacitracin, or Polysporin)
●
Nonadherent dressing—Telfa or Adaptic
●
Bandage roll (tube gauze)
Procedure
METHOD 1—COTTON WICK INSERTION
● Have the client lie supine with knees flexed and feet flat.
● File middle third of nail on the affected side with a nail file or
● Gently push the cotton wick under the distal portion of the lateral
nail groove on the affected side using splinter forceps (Fig. 10.3).
● Identify the offending spicule and remove it.
● Continue to insert cotton wick to separate the nail from the nail
Client Instructions
● Change bandage daily, and apply tincture of iodine every other day.
● Return to the office weekly for cotton wick replacement.
METHOD 2—PARTIAL AVULSION WITH PHENOLIZATION
◗ Informed consent required
● Have the client lie supine with knees flexed and feet flat.
Cotton wick
● Scrub the toe with antiseptic, rinse, dry, and drape with sterile drapes.
Bone
Nerve
Hemostat
● Rub cotton swab saturated with phenol on germinal matrix beneath the cuticle
for 2 minutes.
● Cauterize granulomas with silver nitrate stick.
Client Instructions
● Avoid ischemia of toe by loosening the bandage and hanging foot down.
● Notify the practitioner if pain or swelling increases or green or yellow
discharge is present.
Chapter 10 | Nail 49
Removal
● If toes become cold and pale
Elevate foot above heart level
●
● Use painTJ.medications
Zuber asremoval.
Ingrown toenail ordered.
AmTake Tylenol 2002;65(12):2547–2550.
Fam Physician. No. 3 every 4
11
to 6 hours for the first 24 hours; then take an NSAID such as
ibuprofen.
● Take ordered antibiotics for 5 days (cephalexin, tetracycline,
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee H. Management of the ingrown toenail. Am Fam Physician.
2009;79(4):303–308.
Pfenninger JL, Fowler GC. Procedures for Primary Care Physicians. St.
Louis, MO: Mosby; 2011.
50 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
Ring Removal
Cynthia R. Ehrhardt
OVERVIEW
● Complicating factors
●Swelling or edema to the digit
●Increased pain and sensitivity to area
●Embedding of metal filings into digit
General Principles
● Minimize the amount of pain.
● Smooth technique minimizes further trauma to area.
Chapter 11 | Ring 49
Removal
● Anesthesia may be necessary with severe pain.
HEALTH PROMOTION/PREVENTION
● Removal on a regular basis allows the wearer to be aware of ring size changes.
● Routinely remove the ring from the digit when working with hands.
● When trauma has occurred and the ring does not appear embedded, attempt to
OPTIONS
● Method 1—Lubricant removal method
Used if
●
• No skin breakdown
• Minimal edema to digit
• No history of peripheral vascular disease
● Method 2—String-wrap method without tape anchor
Used if
●
• No skin breakdown
• Minimal edema to digit
• No suspected fracture or ligament damage
● Method 3—Circular-blade ring cutter method
Used if
●
RATIONALE
● To prevent circulatory and nerve impairment to the digit
INDICATIONS
● Voluntary request for removal of the constricting ring
● Involuntary removal required because of circulatory compromise
CONTRAINDICATIONS
● Lack of patient cooperation
● Suspected open or closed fracture of the digit, REFER to orthopedic surgeon.
surgeon.
● Deeply embedded ring, REFER to orthopedic hand surgeon.
50 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
PROCEDURE
Ring Removal
Equipment
● Method 1 only
Liquid dishwashing soap or lubricant jelly
●
Windex—optional
●
Gloves—nonsterile
●
● Methods 2 and 3
Paper clips
●
Tape
●
3-mL syringe
●
Gloves—nonsterile
●
● Method 3 only
Cool water
●
Procedure
METHOD 1—LUBRICANT REMOVAL METHOD
● Position the client comfortably.
● Soak affected digit in cool water for approximately 5 minutes with extremity
affected digit. If this fails, try spraying ring and finger with Windex.
● Rotate ring until ring slides off.
● Insert the thread (dental floss or 4–0 suture) under the ring using one of
● Insert the threaded paper clip between ring and digit; gently pull through with
fingers or forceps and remove the paper clip (Fig. 11.2A).
● Apply a liberal coat of lubricant to distal part of digit.
● Wind thread with some tension around finger, beginning close to ring and
continuing distally until six or eight single-layer wraps have been made
(Fig. 11.2B).
● Holding distal part of thread firmly, begin pulling proximal end parallel to
digit, causing the thread to unwind and removing the ring successfully
(Fig. 11.2C).
squeezing pressure to the ring while turning the circular blade until the cut
is complete (Fig. 11.3).
● Release pressure, and remove the circular saw.
● Use needle-nose forceps or Kelly clamps to pull ring apart and remove ring.
● Use large syringe and flush area vigorously with 50 to 100 mL of 0.9%
A B
Client Instructions
● Observe for signs and symptoms of infection, such as
Increase in pain after 24 hours
●
Increase in temperature
●
Redness or swelling
●
Foul odor
●
● If any signs and symptoms of infection are found, return to the office.
● Superficial skin abrasions—Cleanse the abrasions with soapy water three times a
days (cephalexin).
Chapter 11 | Ring 53
Removal
Figure 11.3Method 3—
Circular-blade ring
cutter method.
● Pain and swelling—Cool compresses to area for 5 to 10 min/hr for the first
24 hours. After 24 hours, apply heat for 5 to 10 minutes four to six times
per day for 2 to 3 days.
Tylenol No. 3 one or two tablets every 4 to 6 hours for 24 hours for
●
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Huss CD. Removing a ring from a swollen finger. In: Driscoll CE, Rakel RE, eds.
Patient Care: Procedures for Your Practice. Oradell, NJ: Medical Economics;
1988.
Murtagh J. Practice Tips. 5th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2011.
Pfenninger JL, Fowler GC. (2011). Procedures for primary care physicians. St. Louis,
MO: Mosby; 2011. http://handcare.assh.org/Hand-Safety/Removing-a-Ring.aspx.
54 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
12 Chapter
Sebaceous Cyst Removal
Margaret R. Collar
OVERVIEW
● Areas of most frequent occurrence
●Hair follicles
●Back
OPTIONS
● Method 1
Used when the cyst sac is identified and pulled easily through the incision
●
● Method 2
Used when the cyst sac is not identified or pulled easily through the incision
●
RATIONALE
● To diminish pain
● To remove unsightly masses
● To prevent secondary infection
INDICATIONS
● Cosmetic
● Recurrent infection
CONTRAINDICATIONS
● Cyst is on the face.
● Client has bleeding disorder.
Chapter 12 | Sebaceous Cyst 55
Removal
● Proceed cautiously with clients who are diabetic or immunocompromised.
PROCEDURE
Sebaceous Cyst Removal
Equipment
● Methods 1 and 2
●Antiseptic skin cleanser
●Gloves—sterile
●Drape—sterile
●1% to 2% lidocaine
●2 syringes—3 and 10 mL
●27- to 30-gauge, ½-inch needle—for anesthesia
●18-gauge, 1½-inch needle—for irrigation
●No. 11 scalpel
●Curved hemostats—sterile
● 0.9% sodium chloride—sterile
●Iodoform gauze ¼- to ½-inch
●Container with 10% formalin
●4 4 gauze—sterile
●Scissors—sterile
●Tape
Procedure
METHOD 1—SEBACEOUS CYST REMOVAL
● Position the client with the cyst easily accessible.
● Cleanse the area and 3 inches surrounding with antiseptic skin cleanser.
● Put on gloves.
● Perform a field block by anesthetizing the perimeter around the abscess with
● Using the No. 11 scalpel, cut the elastic tissue around the outer edges of
● Cleanse the area and 3 inches surrounding with antiseptic skin cleanser.
● Put on gloves.
● Perform a field block by anesthetizing the perimeter around the abscess with
● After expressing all purulent material, pack the wound with iodoform
gauze, leaving a small amount protruding from the wound. Advance the
iodoform gauze daily for approximately 10 to 14 days until all is
removed (Fig. 12.3).
● Cover with 4 4 gauze and tape. If the cyst is on the head, do not pack
with iodoform gauze. Instead, roll 4 4 gauze into a gauze roll. Suture
incision in
two places, leaving room for drainage (Fig. 12.4). Leave ends of sutures 2
to 3 inches long. Place gauze roll on top of the incision, and tie tightly in
place with the ends of the suture to form a pressure dressing. Remove the
gauze roll in 7 days.
Chapter 12 | Sebaceous Cyst 57
Removal
Iodoform gauze
Client Instructions
● Observe for signs and symptoms of infection, such as
●Increase in pain after 24 hours
●Increase in temperature
●Redness or swelling
●Yellow or greenish drainage
●Foul odor
● If any signs and symptoms of infection are found, return to the office.
● Pain and swelling—Apply cool compresses to the area for 5 to 10 min/hr for
the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, apply heat for 5 to 10 minutes four to six
times per day for 2 to 3 days.
Chapter 13 | Skin 59
Closure
● Take Tylenol No. 3 one or two tablets every 4 to 6 hours for 24 hours for
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pfenninger JL, Fowler GC. Procedures for Primary Care Physicians. St. Louis, MO:
Mosby; 2011.
Zuber TJ. (2002). Minimal excision technique for epidermoid (sebaceous) cysts. Am Fam
Physician. 2002;65(7):1409–1412.
Skin Closure
Chapter 13
Dermabond Application
Cynthia R. Ehrhardt
OVERVIEW
● Complicating factors of secondary infection similar to suturing
General Principles
● More efficient and less invasive method of wound repair
● Generally does not require anesthesia
● Lower incidence of irritation than with traditional suturing
application.
● High-tension locations and joints require splinting.
60 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
INDICATIONS
● Tissue adhesives such as Dermabond should be considered in place of 5–0 or
smaller diameter sutures.
● Small wound repair
● Facial wounds
CONTRAINDICATIONS
● Adhesive sensitivity
● Jagged or irregular lacerations
● Contaminated wounds
● Crushed wounds
PROCEDURE
Skin Closure—Dermabond Application
Equipment
● Dermabond
● Povidone-iodine
● Alcohol prep pads
● Petroleum jelly
● Gloves—nonsterile
● Optional—topical anesthetic
● Optional—Steri-Strips
Procedure
● Assess the wound and irrigate with saline as needed.
● Apply povidone-iodine to the wound beginning at the wound edges and
expanding out in a circular pattern.
Allow to dry.
●
Put on gloves.
●
● Crush the Dermabond vial and invert. You have only a few minutes to
use this vial before polymerization results in sealing of the applicator orifice.
Excessive pressure to the vial results in dripping.
● When the adhesive is at the tip of the applicator, apply to the
next can be applied. Blowing on or fanning the area does not accelerate
drying time.
● Optional—Steri-Strips may be applied only if over high-tension areas.
Client Instructions
● No bandage is required for adults. In active children, a bandage may be used to
prevent the child from picking at the wound.
● You may shower within 6 hours after the application.
Increase in temperature
●
Redness or swelling
●
Foul odor
●
● If any signs and symptoms of infection are found, return to the office.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bruns T, Worthington J. Using tissue adhesive for wound repair: a practical guide to
Dermabond. Am Fam Physician. 2000;61(5):1382–1388.
Forsch RT. Essentials of skin laceration repair. Am Fam Physician. 2008;78(8):945–951.
King M, Kinney A. (1999). Tissue adhesives: a new method of wound repair. Nurse Pract.
1999;24(10):66, 69–70, 73–74.
Knott PD, Zins JE, Banbury J, Djohan R, Yetman RJ, Papay F. A comparison of
dermabond tissue adhesive and sutures in the primary repair of the congenital cleft
lip. Ann Plast Surg. 2007; 58(2):121–125.
Quinn J, Wells G, Sutcliffe T, et al. A randomized trial comparing octylcyanoacrylate tissue
adhesive and sutures in the management of lacerations. JAMA. 1997;277(19):1559–
1560. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf/P960052c.pdf.
62 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
Chapter 14
Skin Lesion Removal
Cautery and Cryosurgery
Margaret R. Collar
Two methods of removing skin lesions are cautery and cryosurgery. Another
method, minor surgery (elliptical excision biopsy), is discussed in Chapter 2.
Cautery is the destruction of tissue by the use of electricity, freezing, heat, or
corrosive materi- als. Thermocautery is the process of tissue removal or
destruction by the use of red-hot or white-hot heat.
Cryosurgery is a technique of exposing tissues to extreme cold to produce cell
injury and destruction. This technique is safe and easy. Lesions heal with
minimal or no scarring. No injections of local anesthetics or sutures are involved.
Cryosurgery feels like an ice cube stuck to the skin. Temperatures that
destroy tissues
● −10°C to −20°C
OVERVIEW
● Freeze time guidelines for cryosurgery are recommended for different types
of lesions (Table 14.1).
OPTIONS
● Method 1—Cautery
● Method 2—Cryosurgery
●Superficial lesions—seborrheic keratosis
Chapter 14 | Skin Lesion 63
Removal
Table 14·1 Freeze Time Guidelines for Skin Lesions
TYPE OF SKIN LESION FREEZE TIME, SEC
Full thickness (benign) 60–90
Plantar warts (after debridement) 30–40
Condylomata 45
Verrucae 60–90
Seborrheic keratosis (2 mm) 30
Actini keratosis (c mm) 90
c
● Freeze for 1.5 minutes or until a greater-than-5- to 8-mm ice ball forms
RATIONALE
● To remove lesions for cosmetic reasons
● To remove cancerous lesions
INDICATIONS
● Skin tags
● Basal cell carcinoma
● Condyloma acuminatum
● Actinic keratosis
● Seborrheic keratosis
● Lentigo (freckles)
● Telangiectasias—small
Cryoprobe
Ice ball
Freeze line
CONTRAINDICATIONS
● Face lesions
● Dark skin due to pigment changes
● Area that is hairy because freezing destroys hair follicles
● Melanoma
● Compromised circulation
Syphilis
●
Epstein-Barr virus
●
Cytomegalovirus
●
Hepatitis B—chronic
●
● Collagen disease
● Glomerulonephritis
Gloves—nonsterile
●
Tape
●
● Method 1 only
Drape—sterile
●
3-mL syringe
●
1% lidocaine
●
4 × 4 gauze—sterile
●
● Method 2 only
Cotton-tipped applicators
●
Figure 14.2 Veruca Freeze Kit. (From CryoSurgery, Inc., Nashville, TN).
66 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
Procedure
METHOD 1—CAUTERY
● Position the client so that the lesion is easily accessible.
● Cleanse the area and a 3-inch-diameter space around the lesion with antiseptic
skin cleanser.
● Inject the tissue under the lesion with 1% lidocaine. If a large lesion
● Put on gloves.
METHOD 2—CRYOSURGERY
● Position the client so that the lesion is easily accessible.
● Cleanse the area and a 3-inch-diameter space around the lesion with antiseptic
skin cleanser.
● Apply water-soaked gauze for 5 to 10 minutes.
● Put on gloves.
The shape of the cryoprobe affects depth and extent of the freeze.
Figure 14.3
By applying pressure, a deeper freeze can be achieved.
Chapter 14 | Skin Lesion 67
Removal
● Freeze the lesion for the appropriate amount of time (see Options).
Increase in temperature
●
Redness or swelling
●
Foul odor
●
● If any signs and symptoms of infection are found, return to the office.
Redness—immediate response
●
within 72 hours
Within 72 hours, crusts form and slowly wither over 1 week
●
Skin may be lighter color and less hair may be present at the site.
●
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Andrews MD. Cryosurgery for common skin conditions. Am Fam Physician.
2004;69(10):2365–2372.
Habif T. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. St.
Louis, MO: Mosby; 2009.
Hocutt J. Skin cryosurgery for the family practice physician. Am Fam Physician.
1993;48(3):445–447.
Pfenninger JL, Fowler GC. Procedures for Primary Care Physicians. St. Louis, MO:
Mosby; 2011.
68 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
15 Chapter
● Border irregularities
● Color variation
Sweat gland
Epidermis
Derma papilla
Dermis
Subcutaneous
tissue
Fat
Sebaceous
gland
Hair follicle
OVERVIEW
● Incidence—keloids
15 to 20 times greater in dark-skinned people. They develop more frequently
●
● Causes
Moles
●
Congenital
●
• Acquired
• Corns
• Pressure from poorly fitting shoes
Calluses
●
• Continuous friction
• Pressure from poorly fitting shoes
• Pencil and pen use
• Physical labor using the unprotected hand
70 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
HEALTH PROMOTION/PREVENTION
Corns
● Wear properly fitting shoes.
● Use moleskin or felt spacer to relieve pressure of bony prominences.
OPTIONS
Keloids
● Method 1—Cryotherapy—earlobe and all areas
● Method 2—Corticosteroid injection—early, small, narrow, or softened lesions or
to soften and/or flatten
● Method 3—Surgical excision—any keloid
RATIONALE
● To remove unsightly skin lesions
● To relieve pain
INDICATIONS
● Cosmetic
● Pressure and pain
● Limitation of use
● Suspicion of malignancy
CONTRAINDICATIONS
● Poor circulation to the area
● Diabetic
● Immunocompromised
PROCEDURE
Keloid Removal
Equipment
● Methods 1, 2, and 3
Antiseptic skin cleanser
●
Gloves—nonsterile
●
● Methods 2 and 3
10-mL syringe
●
Corticosteroid of choice
●
● Method 1 only
Cotton-tipped applicators
●
Procedure
METHOD 1—CRYOTHERAPY
● Position the client with the lesion easily accessible.
● Cleanse the area and a 3-inch-diameter space around the keloid with antiseptic
skin cleanser.
● Apply water-soaked gauze for 5 to 10 minutes to soften the lesion.
● Cleanse the area and a 3-inch-diameter space around the keloid with antiseptic
skin cleanser.
● Draw 2.5 mL of 1% lidocaine and 0.5 mL of corticosteroid into the syringe.
● Inject the medication into the lesion. The keloid will blanche. Do not inject
Mole Removal
Equipment
● Antiseptic skin cleanser
● Gloves—sterile
● 10-mL syringe
● 25- to 27-gauge, 1½-inch needle (very small needles usually are unable to
● Corticosteroid of choice
● Needle driver—sterile
● Scissors—sterile
● No. 15 scalpel
Procedure
Same as for cryosurgery, surgical excision, punch biopsy, and shave biopsy.
72 Section One | Dermatological Procedures
Corn Removal
Equipment
● Wash basin—nonsterile
● Warm water—tap
● Antiseptic skin cleanser
● Drape—nonsterile
● Gloves—nonsterile
● No. 15 scalpel
● 1% lidocaine
● 3-mL syringe
● 4 × 4 gauze—sterile
● Tape
Procedure
● Soak the foot for 15 to 20 minutes in warm water.
● Cleanse the skin around the corn with antiseptic skin cleanser.
● Anesthetize under the corn with 1% lidocaine.
● Put on gloves.
Callus Removal
Equipment
● Pumice stone or file
● Wash basin—nonsterile
● Warm water
● Gloves—nonsterile
● No. 15 scalpel
Procedure
● Soak the foot for 15 to 20 minutes in warm water.
● Cleanse the foot with antiseptic skin cleanser.
● Put on gloves.
Client Instructions
KELOIDS, MOLES, AND CORNS
● Apply antibiotic ointment, cover with 4 × 4 gauze, and tape or apply
CALLUSES
● Perform the following procedure weekly after bathing
OVERVIEW
●
The two most commonly used NGTs are
● The Levin tube—a single-lumen, clear plastic tube
● The Salem sump tube—a double-lumen, clear plastic tube with a blue
pigtail
RATIONALE
●
To promote healing of the stomach and intestines
●
To prevent complications postoperatively
●
To obtain specimens
INDICATIONS
●
After gastric or abdominal surgery
●
Abdominal distention
●
Bowel obstruction
●
Temporary need for tube feeding
●
Obtain specimen of gastric contents
●
Medication overdose
CONTRAINDICATIONS
●
Seizure activity
●
Ingestion of corrosive substances—acids or alkali
●
Head or facial trauma
Chapter 118
Chapter Nasogastric
119 || Inguinal Tube Insertion
Hernia 533
75
Reduction
PROCEDURE
NGT Insertion
Equipment
● Glass of water
● Straw
● Towel—nonsterile
● NGT
● K-Y jelly
● Emesis basin
● Ice water
● Gloves—nonsterile
● Tape
● Suction machine
● Syringe
● Stethoscope
● Safety pin—optional
Procedure
● Position the client in a Fowler’s position.
● Spread a towel under the chin and down the front of the client.
● Measure the distance the tube is to be passed using the following procedure
Place the tip of the tube on the bridge of the nose and stretch the
●
tube to the ear lobe and from the ear lobe to the bottom of the
xiphoid process.
Mark the tube with a piece of tape.
●
● Instruct the client to tilt the head back when the tube is introduced into the
nose.
Optional—Place the NGT in a basin of ice water to stiffen it so
●
that it is easier to insert and does not get coiled on its way
to the stomach.
Optional—If there is a problem inserting because of nose
●
● Position the blue pigtail above the stomach to avoid siphoning of gastric
contents.
● Check placement by aspiration of gastric contents and instilling 10
to 20 mL of air into the tube.
●
Listen with a stethoscope for the air bubble (gurgle) just below the
xiphoid process and in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen.
Index 77
●
Obtain a specimen if needed, or attach the tube to low
intermittent suction (80 to 120 mL) as necessary.
Client Instructions
●
Take nothing by mouth while the NGT is in place.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ignatavicius DD, Workman ML. Brunner and Suddarth’s
Medical-Surgical Nursing. 7th ed.