Preventing abrasions caused by rigid cervical collars

Patients who must wear rigid cervical collars after spinal or orthopedic surgery often get abrasions on the chin and pressure areas (occiput and upper shoulders). Cut pieces of fleece or felt into squares to pad those areas after the collar is in place. It also helps to use an ointment under the chin to protect the skin from further damage.—BONNIE FAHERTY, PhD, APRN-BC, Northridge, Calif. (144-14)