Does anyone have thoughts about using steri-strips (or 1/2 width tape strip, torn from the tape in the CVC dressing package) over the top of the Huber needle, and under the sterile dressing, to improve stability. There are still nurses doing this today (on the unit) but it is not taught to the new nurses coming into our facilities. I would like to go back to them with the most current information and would appreciate your thoughts. If you can site a current article or skills manual, that would be fabulous! Thank you!
My worry with securing it over the head of the huber needle/port would be the zealous nurse really sticking it down and causing necrosis of the tissue over the port. I find proper tunnelling with the tegaderm/occlusive and then a piece of tape also tunnelled to achieve full circumfrence adhesion of the tubing about 6in down is secure enough.. then pin the IV tubing to the clothing for when the dog or door knob catch the IV line to prevent any tugging.
Just my 2c worth
There is certainly no evidence to guide our decisions about the best practices for stabilizing any port access needle. There are numerous studies highlighting the problems with stabilizing peripheral catheters and PICCs with only tape and a TSM dressing. I have also seen numerous horrible outcomes in lawsuits caused by a lack of adequate port access needle stabilization. I would assess the length of access time and patient activities during the access time. If long with lots of activities, I would want to use a stabilization device for the port needle. If accessed for a short period with the paitent remaining relatively still, then tape and TSM only may be enough. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861