Bandages

Question 1

What is layer?

Answer 1

Layer directly contacting wound or patient surface

Question 2

T/F: the secondary layer should never contact the wound

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What are the functions of the secondary bandage layer?

Answer 3

Absorb and hold drainage from wound

Provide support or immobilization

Decreased dead space

Reduce edema

Control hemorrhage

Holds primary dressing in place

Question 4

What materials can be used for secondary layers?

Answer 4

Rolled cotton

Cast padding

Gauze pads

Rolled gauze

Question 5

How will you apply the secondary layer?

Answer 5

Leave 3-4 digits exposed if possible
Overlap approx 50%
Apply distal to proximal on limbs
Should never contact wound (will adhere)
Bandage in normal functional angle unless otherwise indicated

Change before exudate reaches tertiary layer (bacterial strike through)

Question 6

What products can be used for a tertiary layer?

Answer 6

Elasticon

Vet wrap

Question 7

What are methods used to prevent slippage of bandages?

Answer 7

Stirrups 
Tape overlay 
Torso strap 
Tie over bandage 
Patch bandage 
Fur incorporation

Question 8

What type of anchoring method is used on limb bandages and uses 2 strips of tape on the skin and wraps back over the outer bandage.

Answer 8

Stirrups

Question 9

What type of adhesive method is used on the torso/abdomen and engages bandage and a circumferential strip

Answer 9

Tape overlay

Question 10

What adhesive method makes a figure 8 around the forelimbs?

Answer 10

Torso strap

Question 11

What type of bandage can be used in areas that are not amenable to circumferential bandages?

Answer 11

Tie over

Lose interrupted sutures around peripheral
Cover with dressing which is then held in with umbilical tape

Question 12

When is a patch bandage used?

Answer 12

To protect incision lines post op

Areas that cannot place a circumferential bandage

Question 13

What method can you use to secure a tail bandages ?

Answer 13

Fur incorporation

Last layer incorporates fur

Question 14

What is a modified Robert jones bandage ?

Answer 14

Porous tape - used for stirrups

Cast padding - secondary layer (rolled gauze with even pressure, distal to proximal, stirrups are adhered to this layer)

Conforming bandage
Elasikon/vet wrap

Question 15

If you are making a reinforced modified Robert jones bandage.. where will you add your support material (eg plastic splints)

Answer 15

In-between secondary layer ( roll gauze) and tertiary (elasticon) layers

Question 16

What is a Robert jones bandage ?

Answer 16

Similar to modified Robert Jones but uses roll cotton instead of cast padding gauze

Question 17

What is the indication for a Robert jones bandage?

Answer 17

Temporary stabilization of a fracture distal to elbow or stifle

Question 18

What type of splint provides immobilization of upper extremities and is used for fracture/luxation of shoulder or hip?

Answer 18

Spica splint

Question 19

How do you make a spica splint?

Answer 19

Cotton roll extends from limb and around the trunk

Conforming bandage compresses cotton

Aluminum rod fitted down limb and over the back

Secured with tertiary layer

Question 20

What are indications for a velpeau sling?

Answer 20

Create a non-weight bearing forelimb

Immobilization after reduction of shoulder luxation
Primary stabilization for some scapular fractures

Question 21

How do you make a velpeau sling?

Answer 21

Carpus and elbow wrapped in moderate flexsion

Wrap cast padding and conforming gassed

Follow around torso with elasticon or vet wrap

Question 22

Indications for an Ehmers sling?

Answer 22

Non weight bearing hindlimb

Question 23

What are the indications for a pelvic limb sling?

Answer 23

Non weight bearing hind limb
Limited motion

Tibial or femoral fracture repair
Post-op coxofemoral or stifle surgery

Question 24

How is a pelvic limb sling placed?

Answer 24

2-4 inch belly band as anchor

Sling made with 2-3inch porous tape, 4x longer than limb to paw
Fold adhesive sides
Secure to belly band and below stifle

Question 25

Indications for full leg casts?

Answer 25

Certain fractures

Or adjunct following internal fixation/arthrodesis

Question 26

When is a full leg cast contraindicated ?

Answer 26

Wounds
Significant inflammation
Femur or humerus

Question 27

What materials are required for a full leg cast?

Answer 27

Stockinette +/-

• wick away moisture
• protect skin

Cast padding
-dont exceed 2 layers

Plaster cast or synthetic fiberglass

Question 28

What is a bivalved cast?

Answer 28

Cast made and cut in two and secured

Allows for frequent cast changes and wound managment