Bandaging Flashcards
Indications for bandaging
-support suture lines
-early wound management
-management of granulation tissue
-owner convenience
Bandage function
-pressure
-support
-promote wound environment
-aesthetics
Purpose of pressure bandages
-obliterate dead space
-reduce limb edema
-control hemorrhage
-control granulation tissue
When do you remove pressure bandages with granulation tissue?
When you have low oxygen (ie. when pressure bandage applied) then increased granulation tissue
Therefore remove bandage when granulation tissue is smooth with wound edge
Purpose of support bandages
-mechanical
-circulatory
-immobilization
Environmental factors of bandaging
-Need to take into account pH and temperature effects
*warmer is often more difficult to deal with
-topical medications- can be held on by bandage
Aesthetics
Both a functional use and an eye catching purpose
*bandage- role tendons medially
Ideal bandage material
-inexpensive
-conformable
-capable of desired function
-free of particulate matter
-inert
-gas permeable
-easily sterilized
-asethetically pleasing
Layers of a bandage
- Primary (contact) layer = dressing
- Secondary (intermediate) layer= padding and absorption
- Tertiary (outer) layer= occlusive
Primary layer
-sterile
-maintain wound contact held in place with kling gauze
-conduct exudate (capillary)
Adherent options for primary bandage
- dry to dry
- wet to dry
- wet to wet
Non-adherent options for primary
- occlusive
- non occlusive
Dry to dry dressings
Need debridement
-remove exudate and dead tissue, and superficial granulation tissue
Wet to dry dressings
- debridement
- reduce exudate viscosity
- enhanced capillary action
What do you use for the wet component of bandage?
-tap water, saline or best option would be hypertonic saline
Wet to wet dressing
-min debridement (does not pull stuff off of wound well)
-enhanced capillary action
-minimal adherence
-high fluid producing wounds
Non-adherent dressings
-More gentle on tissue
-occlusive, semi-occlusive, and non-occlusive types
-use telfa +/- 4x4 gauze squares
Purpose of secondary layer of bandage
- absorption (capillary action)
- pressure distribution
- support
Types of secondary layer
- quilt
- sheet cotton
- gamgee
Purpose of tertiary layer
- pressure application
<30mins without elastics
and need 50% stretch for elastics - protection from elements
Types of tertiary layer
- brown gauze
- vet wrap
- lightplast
- elastoplast/elastikon
Tie over bandage (Stent bandage)
Used in difficult to bandage areas
Vacuum bandage
-Fills wound with foam and use adhesive steridtape and a suction apparatus
Ventilated thermoplastic mesh bandage
-use mesh to provide support but still have access to wound
