Tape injury in the patient with total hip replacement

Patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery may experience edema around the incision related to intraoperative positioning and manipulation of the extremity, as well as general soft tissue damage. The edema may contribute to the impairment of skin integrity when tape is applied to secure postoperative dressings. This article describes how the problem of impaired skin integrity was identified and the process used to determine the contributing factors. The interventions used by three nursing specialty areas to correct the problem are also described.