"Take the skin off the tape" advice given here

Nurses General Nursing

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This is for the brilliant nurse that gave the advice to "take the skin off the tape, not the tape off the skin".

I searched high and low for the thread this was mentioned in so that I could thank you! I am in the last two weeks of school and had the opportunity this week to practice your technique to help preserve the skin integrity of an elderly THJR patient. She was warned by my instructor that removing the surgeon's post-op pressure dressing that contained a ridiculous amount of tape would be the most uncomfortable part of this dressing change. The patient said "I don't know what she's (me) doing, but I hardly feel it at all! She's doing a great job!" :)

Holding the tape parallel to the skin, folding it under to keep it from sticking back down while keeping it taunt with the non-dominant hand, while gently pushing down the skin with the dominant hand was so much easier, quicker and less uncomfortable for the patient.

My instructor was very impressed when I told her I had read about this technique on AN and my patient was very pleased with the comfort. But most importantly her skin was in great condition without even a hint of redness.

So, whoever you are, I hope you read this to receive your thanks!

Sincerely,

A Grateful Nursing Student

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Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

And thank you for continuing to spread this tip! I really could have used this one back a few months ago taking tape off a pt's G tube dressing and will definitely try it going forward.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

That's something I'm going to have to remember as well! Thanks!

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Great advice!

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The nurse that took the tape off my last IV could have used this. I had a huge red spot for about a week. And it hurt like heck when she took it off.

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Sounds good. I just use these adhesive remover wipes we have.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.
Sounds good. I just use these adhesive remover wipes we have.

I use that stuff when I can get it, and a lot of patience is vital. It works really well. Since I can't get that stuff very often, I'll just have to try that technique above.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.
I use that stuff when I can get it, and a lot of patience is vital. It works really well. Since I can't get that stuff very often, I'll just have to try that technique above.

Alcohol wipes work just as good or the CHG wipes if your hospital uses them instead of alcohol wipes.. I use it all the time for "hairy arms", fragile skin etc

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Specializes in Emergency Department.
Alcohol wipes work just as good or the CHG wipes if your hospital uses them instead of alcohol wipes.. I use it all the time for "hairy arms", fragile skin etc

I've used the alcohol wipes... they do work, just not as well (from what I've seen) as the dehesive wipes. CHG wipes? I'll have to look for those and see if they're any better. Thanks for that tip!

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Specializes in Pedi.
The nurse that took the tape off my last IV could have used this. I had a huge red spot for about a week. And it hurt like heck when she took it off.

That's why I take the tape off myself when I know a line is coming out. Usually I only have IVs when I'm getting my yearly MRIs and I can get the tape off before the tech even has me out of the machine. :)

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I am no where near being a nurse yet but I loved this post. It's so adorable (: you thanking her and all...and perpetuating good advice.

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