Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

How should tape be removed from a wound dressing?

1. Pull the tape away from the wound

2. Pull the tape toward the wound

3. Use an adhesive remover

4. Cover with a new dressing

The correct answer is: Pull the tape toward the wound

Removing tape from a wound dressing should be done carefully to minimize discomfort and prevent damage to the skin. Pulling the tape toward the wound can help ensure that the adhesive adheres less to the surrounding skin and more to the dressing itself, which reduces the risk of skin trauma during removal. This method is often recommended because it allows the tape to be taken off in a way that lessens the chances of pulling on the wound itself. Using an adhesive remover is another valid method, but it was not selected here. Adhesive removers can provide more comfort for the patient, especially if the tape has been in place for an extended period. However, if only one option is to be chosen, pulling the tape toward the wound is more aligned with general best practices for removing tape from wound dressings safely. Covering the wound with a new dressing does not directly relate to the removal of the existing tape, and it’s not a method for tape removal. Therefore, the focus should be on techniques that minimize skin irritation and discomfort during the dressing change process.