Anesthesia Key

Key Practice Points ▪ The most common soft tissue foreign bodies (FBs) are wood, metal, and glass. ▪ Foreign bodies, such as wood, should be removed if they are reactive,…

Key Practice Points ▪ Suture removal times vary from 4 to 14 days depending on the location of the laceration. ▪ Sutures are removed from the face within 4 to…

Key Practice Points ▪ In recent years, there has been a threefold increase in superficial soft tissue infections (SSTI) including abscesses. The rise in community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is…

Key Practice Points ▪ All patients with abrasions, lacerations, burns, or other wounds require a tetanus immunization history. ▪ Tetanus occurs almost exclusively in patients with incomplete primary immunization. ▪…

Key Practice Points ▪ Deep cutaneous and necrotizing infections are often heralded by severe pain before skin signs appear. ▪ Microorganisms responsible for deep infections can include community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus…

Key Practice Points ▪ All animal bites exhibit similarities, but there are enough differences that each one needs to be evaluated and managed individually. ▪ The most important steps in…

Key Practice Points ▪ A gentle and empathetic approach to patients is necessary when administering local anesthesia because of the near universal fear of injections and needles. ▪ The onset…

Key Practice Points ▪ Applying the principles of wound closure is key to acceptable wound and scar appearance. ▪ Matching the layers of the wound surfaces with sutures is critical…

Key Practice Points ▪ Lacerations and wounds can be managed with a few well-chosen instruments: needle holders, tissue forceps, and scissors. ▪ Each instrument requires special handling (described in this…

Key Practice Points ▪ Because wounds are often contaminated with bacteria, there is a time limit (the “golden period”) between the laceration and closure with sutures. It varies between 6…