Using the nursing process to solve a problem: post-op tape blisters

ET nursing consultation was requested for the treatment of ten cases of tape blisters within six months, the majority of which were post-op following hip surgery. When the ET nursing staff was asked to develop a standard treatment protocol for these blisters, they used the nursing process. They identified the problem, assessed the situation, planned and implemented a response, and evaluated the results in an ongoing manner. It was then theorized that lack of "stretch" in the tape might be causing the tape blisters. After five stretch tapes were assessed for ease of removing the paper backing, handling, application, flexibility, and adhesion, one tape was preferred by the operating room and nursing unit staffs and was put into routine use in October 1992. No further blisters have been noted since this change was made. By using the nursing process, the authors ultimately eliminated post-op tape blisters in the facility.