Bandages, Splints, and Casts

Question 1

Functions of Bandages

Answer 1

Promote healing 
Protect wounds
Absorption 
Elimination dead space
Apply or relieve pressure 
Modulate pain 
Stabilize

Question 2

What does Dead space cause?

Answer 2

seroma formation and hematomas

Question 3

What does applying pressure minimize?

Answer 3

edema formation

Question 4

3 primary components of bandages

Answer 4

Primary Layer
Secondary layer
Tertiary layer

Question 5

Primary Layer

Answer 5

Directly contacts wound or patient surface
Final barrier 
Absorbs/transfers to secondary layer 
Maintains moist wound environment 
Sterile

Question 6

Secondary layer

Answer 6

Should never contact wound

Question 7

Tertiary layer

Answer 7

outermost layer

Question 8

What are some adherent dressings?

Answer 8

Dry to Dry

Wet to Dry

Question 9

Non adherent dressing

Answer 9

Used for healthy tissue

Granulation tissue

Question 10

What determines the type of dressing used?

Answer 10

Phase of wound healing
Amount of exudate
Presence of infection or necrosis

Question 11

Wet to Dry Dressing

Answer 11

Wet bandage applied to the wound to help absorb through osmosis through the primary layer into the secondary layer

Question 12

Dry to Dry Dressing

Answer 12

Placement of dry sterile adherent gauze to an open wound

Question 13

What dressing is not commonly used?

Answer 13

Dry to Dry Dressing

Question 14

What is the disadvantage of Dry to Dry Dressing?

Answer 14

Painful to remove

Can dry and damage healing tissue

Question 15

What is the most common adherent dressing?

Answer 15

Wet to Dry Dressing

Question 16

What are the advantages of Wet to Dry Dressings?

Answer 16

Provides hydration
Dilutes exudate
Wicks exudate
Removes necrotic tissue

Question 17

What are the disadvantages of Wet to Dry Dressing?

Answer 17

Can damage healthy tissue

Painful to remove

Question 18

When do you use Wet to Dry Dressings?

Answer 18

Use early in wound management (3-5 days)

Question 19

What tissue do you not use Wet to Dry Dressings on?

Answer 19

Healthy tissue

Question 20

Advantages of Non Adherent Dressings?

Answer 20

Provides Moisture

Allows absorption

Question 21

Functions of Secondary Layer

Answer 21

Adsorb and hold drainage from wound 
Provide support or immobilization 
Decrease dead space 
Reduce edema
Control hemorrhage 
Holds primary dressing in place

Question 22

What is the criteria for the thickness of the secondary layer?

Answer 22

Amount of discharge/absorption 
Amount of pressure required
Amount of support 
Immobilization 
Protection

Question 23

What so you leave digits exposed?

Answer 23

monitor for cold and swelling

Question 24

What are the rules for application of the secondary layer?

Answer 24

Leave digits 3 and 4 exposed if possible
Overlap approx 50%
Apply distal to proximal on limbs
Should never contact wound
Can incorporate splints or cats for greater stability
Change before exudate reaches tertiary layer
Bandage at normal functional angle

Question 25

What can happen if exudate reaches the tertiary layer of the bandage?

Answer 25

Bacterial strike through

Question 26

What do you use to Anchor bandages?

Answer 26

``` Stirrups Tape Overlay Torso Strap Tie over bandage Patch bandage Fur incorporation ```

Question 27

Where do you use Tie over bandage?

Answer 27

Used in areas where circumferential bandage is difficult

Question 28

What suture is used for Tie Over Bandage?

Answer 28

Nonabsorbable monofilament suture

Question 29

Patch Bandage

Answer 29

Used to protect incision lines post op | Areas that cannot place circumferential bandage

Question 30

What are things to look for with bandages?

Answer 30

``` Pain Discomfort Foul odor Swollen/cold digits Drainage or discharge Mutilation Fever ```

Question 31

Modified Robert Jones Bandage

Answer 31

Protects wounds Little support Little compression

Question 32

Reinforced Modified Robert Jones

Answer 32

Adds additional support for minimally displaced stable fractures

Question 33

Spica Splint

Answer 33

Temporary splint for fractures or luxations proximal to or including the elbow or stifle Provides immobilization of upper extremities

Question 34

When do you use Velpeau Sling?

Answer 34

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

Question 35

Ehmers Sling

Answer 35

Creates non weight bearing hind limb provides femoral abduction Inward hip rotation Indication after reduction of cranial dorsal hip luxation

Question 36

Indications for Pelvic Limb Sling

Answer 36

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

Question 37

Indications for a full leg cast

Answer 37

used as adjunct following internal fixation or arthrodesis

Question 38

What are the contraindications of a full leg cast?

Answer 38

Wounds Significant inflammation Femur or humerus

Question 39

Metacarpal/Metatarsal Splints

Answer 39

Used for fractures at or below carpus | Additional support following fractures, luxations and arthrodesis