Item Brochure

20
Tape Application
1. Select the correct size and type of tape for the application.
2. Clip hair, if necessary.
3. Apply 3M
™
Cavilon
™
No Sting Barrier Film to protect at-risk skin. When
thoroughly dry, tape may be applied over it.
4. Minimize touching of adhesive.
5. Apply tape without tension to clean, dry skin.
6. Smooth tape in place with smooth, gentle pressure. Avoid gaps and wrinkles.
In general, do not encircle a limb completely with tape.
7. Rub in place to get a good seal.
1
2
3
4
A. General taping
Apply the tape without tension, gently
but firmly stroking the surface to
maximize adhesion. Tape should extend
at least one-half inch beyond the
dressing. Tape should not be pulled or
stretched when applied. If swelling does
occur, loosen and re-fasten or replace
tape to relieve the tension.
B. When compression is needed
1. Place first section of tape without
tension onto skin on one side of the
dressing, gently pressing downward.
2. With one hand, secure tape on one edge
of the dressing while slightly stretching
next section of tape over the dressing.
3. Secure tape on opposite edge of
the dressing.
4. Press remaining tape onto skin without
tension. Compression should come from
the multiple layers of dressing material,
not from excessive tension in the tape.
Skin distention under tape may result in
blistering and should be relieved as
soon as possible.
C. When distention is anticipated
Use a tape that stretches or a
self-adherent wrap to secure the
dressing or tubing. Foam tapes generally
stretch in all directions. Nonwoven
soft cloth tapes, such as 3M
™
Medipore
™
Soft Cloth Surgical Tape, stretch in the
cross-direction and on the bias. The
direction of the stretch should be
considered when securing a dressing
or tubing to an area that is at high risk
for distention, edema, hematoma
formation, or movement. Anecdotally,
applying soft cloth tape parallel to the
incision appears to be associated with
fewer skin tension injuries than taping
perpendicular to the incision.