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