What is the appropriate approach to removing a superficial foreign body from the skin?

• A. Proceed with sterile technique; remove with a sterile instrument or forceps; irrigate; check tetanus; advise wound care; refer if embedded or near neurovascular structures.
• B. Use non-sterile technique to expedite removal; call for surgical consult.
• C. Leave in place and monitor for infection; advise wound care.
• D. Irrigate only and avoid removal if not visible.

Answer: (A)

Removing a superficial foreign body from the skin should prioritize preventing infection and ensuring the object is fully removed. Use sterile technique and remove the object with a sterile instrument or forceps, then irrigate the wound to wash away debris and reduce contamination. After removal, check tetanus vaccination status and provide appropriate wound care to promote healing and prevent infection. If the object is embedded or located near nerves or blood vessels, seek specialist removal or surgical help. Using non-sterile technique, leaving the object in place, or irrigating only without removal misses essential steps and increases the risk of infection or ongoing symptoms.