Forum topic

We're adding TSM dressings to our CVC policy-which was exlusively gauze-tape.   I need help defining the situations that would call for a dressing to be changed before it's due.  Obviously when the dressing is torn, or if the rim is breached by bleeding/drainage from underneath, or when an edge has loosened enough to allow the site to be exposed to air. But how about when the taped rim becomes wet after a shower, or when a small area of the taped edge isn't sticking--can it be resecured or is it best to change?   Now that nurses can see the site, they feel they need to change the dressing because they can see a small amount of blood at the entry site or around the sutures (our PICCs are still being sutured).   Also, we're using 3M Tegaderm, does anyone recommend another product?