Question

BEFORE AND AFTER NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SKIN SCRAPINGS

Answer 1

Skin scrapping is a cmmon procedure done to obtain the superficial dead layers of the skin.This procedure is used to diagnose fungal skin infections,such as athletes foot or tinea infections of the body.   

Nurses Responsibilities Before Skin Scrapping

Identify the patient   

Explain the procedure to the patient.

Skin should be decontaminated with 70% alcohol to remoe surface bacterial contamination.

Obtain the consent before the procedure is done.

Prepare the skin prior to procedure.

Place a drop of mineral oil on a sterile scalpel blade.

Allow some of the oil to flow on to the scalp

Scrape vigourously 6-7 times to remove top of papule.

Transfer oil and scraped material to a glass slide.  This is how the procedure is done.

Nurses Responsibilities After Skin Scrapping

Gently clean the area with cool lukewarm water and mild soap.

Remove the dirt or other particles from the wound using sterilized tweezers.If it is mild scrap and no bleeding leave the wound uncovered.

Tiny blood vessels known as cappilaries near the surface may burst and it can result in bruising and minor bleeding so tae immediate to prevent it,use a clean cloth or bandage and apply gentle pressureto the area to stop any bleeding.

Assess the skin for any abnormality and as to patient does the patient feel any discomfort.

After scrapping mix the accumulated debris on the blade into the mineral oil on the microscope slide,apply coverslip, and examine the slide under microscope.

Follow aseptic technique while collecting sample.

This is done after the procedure.