Medical assistants may apply Steri-Strips under supervision, depending on state laws and employer policies, but they cannot make independent medical decisions regarding wound care.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether medical assistants can apply Steri-Strips. Their ability to do so depends on state laws, employer policies, and supervision requirements.
Understanding the Role of a Medical Assistant:
Medical assistants (MAs) are vital members of the healthcare team, assisting doctors and nurses with both administrative and clinical tasks. Their responsibilities can include taking patient histories, recording vital signs, drawing blood, and assisting with minor medical procedures. However, their scope of practice varies by state laws and employer policies.
What Are Steri-Strips?
Steri-Strips, also known as wound closure strips, are thin adhesive strips used to hold the edges of small wounds together. They are often used for minor cuts, surgical incisions, or after sutures or staples are removed. These strips help in wound healing by keeping the skin intact and reducing scarring.
Can a Medical Assistant Apply Steri-Strips?
Whether a medical assistant can apply Steri-Strips depends on state regulations and workplace guidelines. In many states, MAs are allowed to apply Steri-Strips under the supervision of a physician or nurse. However, they may not be permitted to make independent medical decisions regarding wound care. Here are some key considerations:
State Regulations:
Each state has different laws regarding what medical assistants can and cannot do. Some states allow them to apply Steri-Strips, while others may restrict this task to nurses or doctors.
employer Policies:
Healthcare facilities have their own rules on what MAs can perform. Some clinics or hospitals may train MAs to apply Steri-Strips, while others may require a nurse to handle wound closure.
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Supervision Requirements:
Even if permitted, MAs typically need a supervising healthcare provider to guide or approve their actions when applying Steri-Strips.
When Should Steri-Strips Be Used?
Steri-Strips are best used for small, shallow wounds that do not require stitches. They are often applied in cases such as:
Shallow cuts or lacerations:
Steri-Strips are great for closing small to medium cuts where the edges can be easily brought together. They help hold the skin in place so it heals properly and reduces scarring. However, they should not be used on deep or wide-open wounds that might require stitches.
After stitches or staples are removed:
Sometimes, after stitches or staples are taken out, the wound still needs a little extra support to stay closed. Steri-Strips can help by holding the skin together for a few more days, allowing it to heal completely and reducing the risk of reopening.
Minor surgical incisions:
If you have had a small surgical procedure, your doctor may recommend using Steri-Strips instead of stitches or as extra support after stitches are removed. They help keep the skin together while the deeper layers continue to heal.
Blisters or small skin tears:
When the top layer of skin is damaged, like with blisters or small tears, Steri-Strips can help hold the skin in place and protect it while new skin forms underneath. This can speed up healing and prevent further irritation.
On delicate areas:
Some areas of the body, like the face, heal better with Steri-Strips rather than stitches because they leave less scarring. Since they don’t puncture the skin like stitches do, they can be a good option for wounds in visible areas where scarring is a concern.
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Important Notes:
- Do not use deep, wide, or heavily bleeding wounds – If a wound is deep enough to see fat or muscle, or if it keeps bleeding after applying pressure, it probably needs stitches or medical attention.
- Do not use it on infected wounds – If the area is red, swollen, warm, or oozing pus, Steri-Strips shouldn’t be used. Infection needs to be treated first.
- Make sure the skin is clean and dry before applying – Steri-Strips stick best when the area is completely dry and free from oils, creams, or blood. Using them on damp skin may cause them to fall off too soon.
When Should a Medical Assistant Not Use Steri-Strips?
Deep or Gaping Wounds:
If the wound edges cannot be easily brought together, Steri-Strips may not be sufficient. Deep wounds require sutures or staples to ensure proper closure and healing. If a medical assistant encounters such a wound, they should immediately notify a nurse or physician for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Heavily Bleeding Wounds:
Active bleeding is a sign that the wound may require more than just a simple closure. If direct pressure does not stop the bleeding, or if the wound continues to ooze, the patient should receive medical attention from a higher-level provider. MAs should avoid applying Steri-Strips in these cases, as improper treatment could lead to further complications.
Infected or Contaminated Wounds:
Wounds that show signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or foul odor, should not be treated with Steri-Strips alone. Infection requires medical intervention, such as antibiotic treatment or professional wound debridement. MAs should recognize these signs and refer the patient to a licensed healthcare provider for further care.
Wounds Requiring Sutures or Staples:
Larger or deeper wounds often need stronger closure methods to heal properly. Steri-Strips are not a substitute for sutures or staples in cases where the wound edges are widely separated or under tension. A medical assistant should always defer to a provider when in doubt.
Wounds in High-Movement Areas:
Some wounds are located in areas that experience frequent stretching or movement, such as joints (elbows, knees) or fingers. In such cases, Steri-Strips may not provide sufficient support, and the wound may reopen. Alternative wound closure methods should be considered, and a healthcare provider should be consulted before proceeding.
FAQ’s
1. Can a medical assistant apply Steri-Strips?
Yes, but only if state regulations and employer policies allow it, usually under the supervision of a physician or nurse.
2. When should Steri-Strips be used?
They are best for small, shallow wounds, minor surgical incisions, or after stitches or staples are removed to support healing.
3. When should a medical assistant not use Steri-Strips?
They should not be used on deep, bleeding, infected, or high-movement wounds that may require stitches or medical intervention.
4.Do all healthcare facilities allow medical assistants to use Steri-Strips?
No, some facilities train MAs for this task, while others require a nurse or doctor to handle wound closure.
5. Why do Steri-Strips require supervision for medical assistants?
Since MAs cannot make independent medical decisions, a licensed provider must ensure Steri-Strips are appropriate for the wound type.
Conclusion
Medical assistants can apply Steri-Strips, but only if allowed by state laws and employer rules. They must follow supervision requirements and cannot make medical decisions. Steri-Strips help with small wounds, but deep or infected wounds need a doctor’s care. Knowing when to use them safely is important for proper healing and patient safety.
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