Bandages, Splints, and Casts Flashcards
Functions of Bandages
Promote healing Protect wounds Absorption Elimination dead space Apply or relieve pressure Modulate pain Stabilize
What does Dead space cause?
seroma formation and hematomas
What does applying pressure minimize?
edema formation
3 primary components of bandages
Primary Layer
Secondary layer
Tertiary layer
Primary Layer
Directly contacts wound or patient surface Final barrier Absorbs/transfers to secondary layer Maintains moist wound environment Sterile
Secondary layer
Should never contact wound
Tertiary layer
outermost layer
What are some adherent dressings?
Dry to Dry
Wet to Dry
Non adherent dressing
Used for healthy tissue
Granulation tissue
What determines the type of dressing used?
Phase of wound healing
Amount of exudate
Presence of infection or necrosis
Wet to Dry Dressing
Wet bandage applied to the wound to help absorb through osmosis through the primary layer into the secondary layer
Dry to Dry Dressing
Placement of dry sterile adherent gauze to an open wound
What dressing is not commonly used?
Dry to Dry Dressing
What is the disadvantage of Dry to Dry Dressing?
Painful to remove
Can dry and damage healing tissue
What is the most common adherent dressing?
Wet to Dry Dressing
What are the advantages of Wet to Dry Dressings?
Provides hydration
Dilutes exudate
Wicks exudate
Removes necrotic tissue
What are the disadvantages of Wet to Dry Dressing?
Can damage healthy tissue
Painful to remove
When do you use Wet to Dry Dressings?
Use early in wound management (3-5 days)
What tissue do you not use Wet to Dry Dressings on?
Healthy tissue
Advantages of Non Adherent Dressings?
Provides Moisture
Allows absorption
Functions of Secondary Layer
Adsorb and hold drainage from wound Provide support or immobilization Decrease dead space Reduce edema Control hemorrhage Holds primary dressing in place
What is the criteria for the thickness of the secondary layer?
Amount of discharge/absorption Amount of pressure required Amount of support Immobilization Protection
What so you leave digits exposed?
monitor for cold and swelling
What are the rules for application of the secondary layer?
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
What can happen if exudate reaches the tertiary layer of the bandage?
Bacterial strike through
What do you use to Anchor bandages?
Stirrups Tape Overlay Torso Strap Tie over bandage Patch bandage Fur incorporation
Where do you use Tie over bandage?
Used in areas where circumferential bandage is difficult
What suture is used for Tie Over Bandage?
Nonabsorbable monofilament suture
Patch Bandage
Used to protect incision lines post op
Areas that cannot place circumferential bandage
What are things to look for with bandages?
Pain Discomfort Foul odor Swollen/cold digits Drainage or discharge Mutilation Fever
Modified Robert Jones Bandage
Protects wounds
Little support
Little compression
Reinforced Modified Robert Jones
Adds additional support for minimally displaced stable fractures
Spica Splint
Temporary splint for fractures or luxations proximal to or including the elbow or stifle
Provides immobilization of upper extremities
When do you use Velpeau Sling?
Immobilization after reduction of shoulder luxation
Primary stabilization for some scapular fractures
Ehmers Sling
Creates non weight bearing hind limb
provides femoral abduction
Inward hip rotation
Indication after reduction of cranial dorsal hip luxation
Indications for Pelvic Limb Sling
Tibial or femoral fracture repair
Post-op coxofemoral or stifle surgery
Indications for a full leg cast
used as adjunct following internal fixation or arthrodesis
What are the contraindications of a full leg cast?
Wounds
Significant inflammation
Femur or humerus
Metacarpal/Metatarsal Splints
Used for fractures at or below carpus
Additional support following fractures, luxations and arthrodesis
