Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

How can MARSI be prevented?

1. Use products that cause skin reactions

2. Apply to wet skin

3. Implement low and slow horizontal removal

4. Apply adhesive with no tension

The correct answer is: Implement low and slow horizontal removal

Preventing Medical Adhesive-Related Skin Injuries (MARSI) is critical for patient safety and comfort. One of the key strategies for prevention is to implement low and slow horizontal removal of adhesive products. This technique is effective because it minimizes trauma to the skin by reducing the force applied during the removal process. When adhesive is removed quickly or at an angle, it can strip the top layers of skin, leading to injury. By gently pulling the adhesive horizontally and slowly, the likelihood of damaging the skin is significantly decreased, thereby protecting the integrity of the skin barrier. Applying adhesive with no tension directly supports skin health, but the method of removal is particularly vital in preventing injury after application. Ensuring that the adhesive is not applied to wet skin also plays a role in optimizing adherence and skin health, but this is more about optimizing product use rather than prevention of MARSI itself through technique. Understanding the methodologies involved in adhesive application and removal is crucial in a clinical setting to enhance patient care and outcomes.