Patient Allergic to Armband?

[maxthecat]

For the first time this week we had a hospital patient who could not wear our plastic armbands because he stated he had an allergy to them, red and itching. Policy states that all patients must wear armband identification at all times. How do the rest of you handle this? We tried paper but of course that didn't work well.

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

We had a pt like this.

We taped the armband to their bed rail, and one to their chart.

Fortunately, they were A&O so they could both state their name and point out the arm band.

[maxthecat]

Our problem is policy states armband must be on the person--can't be on bedrail, clothing, etc. But thanks for your reply.

[nightshiftnut]

Maybe try placing a 4 x 4 folded lengthwise to the back of the band and attach with paper tape.Maybe this way the plastic band won't touch the patients skin.

[APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

We've put socks on patients and put the "arm" band around the ankle.

[elkpark]

Have you tried taping the "inside" of the armband with a layer of tape (sticky side holding it to the armband), so that the plastic isn't touching the client? That may work.

[ayla2004, ASN, RN]

Have you tried taping the "inside" of the armband with a layer of tape (sticky side holding it to the armband), so that the plastic isn't touching the client? That may work.

I was thiniking the same thing perhaps use paper tape(micropore) or use a stockingette on the wrist/lower arm

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

Yep, piece of bandage around the wrist then band on top.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I was going to suggest rolling some Kerlix around their wrist a couple times, then taping the armband to that, but some of the other suggestions are good ones too.

[cherrybreeze, ADN, RN]

I was also thinking a short piece of stockinette, or a little bit of Kerlix around the wrist first, might help?

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

Put it in a ziplock baggie. Pin the baggie to the gown! The "armband" is technically "On" the pt. No exposure to the armband for the pt.

I think all the other ideas are great too!

this just goes to show how some policies just create extra work sometimes.

[maxthecat]

Good suggestions! Thanks, everyone.