Plastic IV hubs taped down onto skin can cause pressure ulcers, especially on the sensitive skin of pediatrics and on the frail skin of seniors. A simple solution: Place a small piece of hydrocolloid dressing under the hub to protect against pressure ulcers at the IV site. You can easily cut the dressing into different sizes for use on a variety of patients. In addition to your youngest and oldest patients, consider applying the hydrocolloid dressing on patients who undergo longer procedures.

Anjal Pong,
MSN, RN-BC, CNOR
Institute for Nursing Excellence
(UCSF Children's Hospital)
Mission Bay, Calif.
[email protected]