Taping peripheral IV catheters

[Zee_RN, BSN, RN]

Our institution is currently debating the use of tape underneath the transparent dressing. The IV catheters we use have 'wings' and we commonly place tape under and over the wings (but not across the catheter in a chevron shape), kind of in a 'U' shape...it does not touch the insertion site. We then cover with a transparent dressing. Our Infectious Control nurse tells us this is an infectious risk and we should not put any tape

underneath the dressing, simply the transparent dressing itself. We are concerned that the transparent dressing does not anchor the catheter well enough and will simply subject the patient to many more sticks as we have to restart IVs that have 'fallen' out. Ideas?

[Lauretta]

Originally posted by Zee_RN:

Our institution is currently debating the use of tape underneath the transparent over the wings (but not across the catheter in a chevron shape), kind of in a 'U' shape...it does not touch the insertion site. We then cover with a transparent dressing. Our Infectious Control nurse tells us this is an dressing. The IV catheters we use have 'wings' and we commonly place tape under and infectious risk and we should not put any tape

underneath the dressing, simply the transparent dressing itself. We are concerned that the transparent dressing does not anchor the catheter well enough and will simply subject the patient to many more sticks as we have to restart IVs that have 'fallen' out. Ideas?

I agree with your infection control nurse tape should not be under the IV site. And I can appreciate your concerns. I have sales representatives trying to sell me transparent dressings constantly. We have been using the Veni Gard Dressing by Con Med for many years. The dressing provides sterility, visibility and STABILITY!

[sher21]

Hi, our IV team has tried many many different drsgs, and we have finally settled on a tegaderm/hypofix tape drsg. It is tegaderm with hypofix tape (hypoallergenic/ easy on the skin) that "wraps" around the catheter and saline lock or tlock whichever you use. then there are two "steri strip" pieces of hypofix that one is chevron around the saline lock outside the drsg and the other is then put across the saline lock. It is hard to explain but we have found that this drsg holds the catheter in place much better than anything we have tried. no tape under the drsg so less risk of infection and is anchored to keep the catheter from being tugged out or "falling" out...