Evaluation of dressings used with local anaesthetic cream and for peripheral venous cannulation.
OBJECTIVE
To compare four polyurethane dressings manufactured by two different companies for use in children.


METHODS
Seventy-eight dressings were applied to secure either local anaesthetic creams (n = 62) or intravenous cannulae (n = 16). Each dressing was evaluated for ease of application, security and ease of removal, using a simple scoring system.


RESULTS
84 per cent of Opsite flexigrid and 90 per cent of Tegaderm local anaesthetic cream dressings were rated as easy or very easy to apply. Opsite flexigrid was felt to be more secure, whereas Tegaderm was easier to remove. The Tegaderm cannula dressing was easier to apply than the iv3000 dressing.


CONCLUSIONS
There was little difference between the two brands, including costs.
Needham
Rowan
R
Department of Paediatrics, North Tyneside General Hospital, North Shields.
Strehle
Eugen-Matthias
EM
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000451:nursing; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology; D009779:Occlusive Dressings / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018579:Patient Selection; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011318:Prilocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017592:Skin Care / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000451:nursing
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; C027324:Opsiture; D011140:Polyurethanes; D011318:Prilocaine; D008012:Lidocaine