Discharge Instructions for Nerve Biopsy
You had a nerve biopsy, a procedure used to identify a disease or to check the condition of your nerves. The following instructions will help you care for your incision after the procedure.
Home Care
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Remove the gauze dressing covering your incision after 24 hours.
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Leave the incision covered with adhesive strips until you return to have your stitches removed.
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Replace any adhesive strips that fall off.
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Keep the incision dry. Cover the incision with a plastic bag or plastic wrap when you shower or bathe.
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Don’t be alarmed if you have a small rim of redness and swelling around the incision. This usually disappears within a few days.
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Don’t take aspirin. If you have pain, take acetaminophen or another non-aspirin pain reliever every 4 hours as needed.
Follow-Up
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
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Increased redness around the biopsy site
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Excessive swelling, discomfort, or pain
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Drainage or pus from the biopsy site
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Bleeding from the incision (not controlled by 10–15 minutes of firm pressure on the wound)
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Fever of 100.4°F or higher, or chills
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Date Last Reviewed:
1/1/2006
Date Last Modified:
12/14/2007