Item Brochure

28
Two Common Taping Concerns
Tape doesn’t stick? Skin damage?
The problem might be: The problem might be:
• Adhesive not strong
enough for the particular
application, for example:
– very active patient
– patient pulls at
tubing/dressing
– heavy device or tubing
– lacking tension loop
– “critical” application
• Tape too stiff to conform
to contours
• Inappropriate tape for
degree of skin moisture
or surface of
dressing/device
• Adhesion may vary
depending on skin type
and body chemistry; if
one tape doesn’t adhere,
consider selecting
another 3M surgical tape
• “Non-stretch” tape used on
area that “expanded” (e.g.,
edema, hematoma formation,
distention) or moved
• Adhesive more aggressive
than needed
• Occlusive tape left on
too long
• Patient sensitive to specific
adhesive
• Irritating tape or substance
placed over perforated or
porous tape
Choice of tape
• Vigorous alcohol prep
• Sensitivity to tackifier
• Skin irritated/denuded
before tape applied
Skin
preparation
• Repeated touching of
adhesive
• Area under tape distended
or moved
• Tape not gently and firmly
stroked after applying
• Gaps left between tape
and tubing/dressing
• Loose tape edges
• “Folded tab” left on tape
• Tubing subjected to
tension/pulling
• Too much moisture
(maceration)
• Tape applied under tension
• Traumatic removal
• Tape removed at an angle
• Skin not supported during
tape removal
• Too much tape
• Area completely encircled
with tape
Application/
removal
technique
3M Health Care Customer Help Line: 1 800 364-3577
• Moist or oily skin
• Soap/moisturizer on skin
• Prep solution containing
surfactant or glycerin
was not allowed to dry