Nylon is classified as which type of suture?

• A. Absorbable, natural
• B. Nonabsorbable, natural
• C. Absorbable, synthetic
• D. Nonabsorbable, synthetic

Answer: (D)

Nylon is a synthetic suture that is nonabsorbable, meaning it does not get digested or absorbed by the body's tissues and stays in place for the long term. It’s typically used when lasting strength and wound support are needed, such as skin closures, because it maintains tensile strength and generally elicits minimal tissue reaction. Since nylon is not derived from natural tissue, and it is not absorbed, it best fits the nonabsorbable, synthetic category. The other options would require nylon to be natural in origin or absorbable, which it is not.