Bandaging Flashcards
What are the layers of bandaging?
(Contact)
Padding
Conforming
Cohesive
Where should the bandage finish?
After the joint above the injured area
How should the padding layer be applied?
Covering 2/3 of previous circulation
No pressure
Cotton wool between toes, stopper pad and dew claw
How should the conforming layer be applied?
Sufficient pressure for support
Just below padding layer
Tucked in, not tied! Prevent uneven pressure
Why does the width of each layer need to be the same?
To apply even pressure on the area
When bandaging the limb, what should always be covered?why?
The foot
Prevent poor circulation, swelling and oedema
Why is there padding between the toes, dew claw and stopper pad?
To reduce pressure
Absorb sweat
How many layers should a light bandage have?
1 of each
How many layers should a support (Robert Jones) bandage have?
(One contact layer)
Alternating padding and conforming layers (at least twice)
1 cohesive layer
What direction should bandages be applied?
Distal to proximal
What should you do after the bandage has been applied?
Check bandage is even
Place 1 finger beneath, or two if around throat (for ear bandage) to check tightness
Flick -should sound hollow
What is the stirrup method for bandaging?
Applying dressing tape before the padding layer
When bandaging an ear, where does the ear need placing? What pattern should the bandage be?
Over the head
Figure of 8
Why does the ear needing marking on the bandage?
So it isn’t cut off when removed!
Cotton wool should be used to pad areas with little soft tissue covering. Give examples of these
Between claws and dew claws
Calcaneus/common calcanean tendon
Olecranon
Which layers of the bandage should provide pressure?
Conforming bandage
In some cases, small gaps may be left between the middle two digits. Why is this?
If bandage is on for multiple days
Check temperature to ensure adequate blood supply
Why should you palpate a bandage after applying it?
To ensure not tight or baggy bits
Why is the ear commonly bandaged?
Easily injured
Bleeds heavily
What should happen to the ear being bandaged? What else needs to happen?
Folded over the head with padding beneath it
Other ear should be free
Follow figure of eight shape
Don’t cover patients eyes
What advice should be given with bandages at home?
Must be kept completely dry - cover when going to the toilet
If the bandage gets wet, must be brought back and changed immediately
Should not lick bandage - Elizabethan collars
If bandage covers a dressed wound, the owner should check for no discharge - needs changing
Why cant bandages be tied?
Pressure sores
Why can’t bandages get wet?
Bacteria and infection
Swelling of layers
Why does the padding layer need to be longer than the conforming and cohesive layer?
To prevent irritating the skin
