Staple removal

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I feel horrible. Have a pt with a total hip replacement removed 46 staples on day 15 (Wednesday). Site looked fine, some pink in middle of incision but no drainage and she has been doing alot of walking. Also on coumadin INR is 2.5.

Had her take pain med before I came. As I was removing staples some were very easy to come out others I had to wiggle out. She grabbed the bed rail and yelled that hurts. I feel so bad, never had staple removal hurt that much. After it was all done she said the pain is back down to 2/10. No drainage, covered with DSD, used a few steri strips in middle of incision and end of incision. Will see her friday to remove DSD plan on leaving it OTA. But concerned about how much pain she was in during removal. Has anyone had this problem? Called her later in the day she said she is fine and no pain.

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Specializes in COS-C, Risk Management.

Sensitive skin and/or allergy to staple components could be the culprits. Could also be the anticipation that it will hurt. It does sting a little, but I've never had them hurt like that. Next time, you can try softening with a couple sprays of wound cleanser before taking them out. You probably didn't do anything wrong, so don't beat yourself up.

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Thanks. Was talking to another nurse she said that if the staples are not inserted straight that no matter what they will hurt coming out.

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