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INFECTION PREVENTION
sterile tape being used initially to secure a catheter hub at the patient's fresh puncture wound?
The traditional crisscross method isn't just time-consuming and obstructive, but if you use non-sterile tape and place it near the skin opening, the edges of the tape are a threat to introduce pathogens into the bloodstream (go to tinyurl.com/ko52omr to see my research on this). Here's a safer, better alternative your anesthesia providers will really appreciate:
1. Cover the IV with a Tegaderm dressing.
After securing the IV catheter, apply a wide strip of sterile, transparent dressing (Tegaderm, for example) over the IV hub/connection to the tubing (Photo 1).
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DON'T DO THIS:
3. The traditional taping method is tough to troubleshoot.
4. With so little tape, the IV is much more vulnerable.
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