Bandaging

Question 1

What are the 8 reasons to use a bandage?

Answer 1

aid pain relief
immobilise some fractures
aid haemostasis
support wounds and wound dressings
aid reduction of swelling, oedema and dead space
absorb exudate
prevent patient interference
protect injuries, wounds and catheters

Question 2

What issues can a poorly fitting bandage cause?

Answer 2

pressure sores, ulcers and wounds

Question 3

What are the 3 layers from which bandages are made?

Answer 3

primary, secondary and tertiary

Question 4

What makes up the primary layer of a bandage?

Answer 4

the dressing which is placed over the wound

Question 5

What is important about the conditions in which the primary bandage is placed?

Answer 5

should be placed aseptically

Question 6

What are 3 different functions of primary dressing layers?

Answer 6

provide protection, absorb exudate, help with debriding wounds

Question 7

What factors does the selection of primary bandage layer depend on?

Answer 7

stage of healing, presence of exudate and whether assistance with debridement is needed

Question 8

What type of wounds can Melolin be applied to?

Answer 8

over surgical wounds but not open wounds

Question 9

what are the absorption properties of Melolin?

Answer 9

limited

Question 10

In what way must Melolin be applied?

Answer 10

shiny side towards wound

Question 11

What is the main aim of a Melolin dressing?

Answer 11

creation of a moist, aseptic environment to aid healing

Question 12

How is Primapore different from Melolin dressing?

Answer 12

it is an adhesive version of Melolin

Question 13

To what wounds can Primapore be applied?

Answer 13

surgical wounds up to 48 hours after surgery

Question 14

is a bandage needed with Primapore?

Answer 14

no but can be used if extra support needed

Question 15

What is Allevyn used for?

Answer 15

covering open wounds where exudate is an expected product of wound healing

Question 16

What are the absorption properties of Allevyn like?

Answer 16

high

Question 17

What is the secondary layer of a bandage made up og?

Answer 17

a synthetic or cotton padding layer

Question 18

What must be done to ensure animal comfort when applying a secondary bandage layer over a limb?

Answer 18

padding must be placed between each toe and under the pad

Question 19

What does the tertiary layer of a bandage consist of?

Answer 19

a conforming layer which holds the padding layer in place and in some cases applies compression to the dressing

Question 20

What is the tertiary layer followed by?

Answer 20

cohesive layer (vetwrap)

Question 21

What does the cohesive bandage layer serve as?

Answer 21

outermost protective layer as it sticks to itself

Question 22

When using a colourful cohesive bandage what must be considered?

Answer 22

whether exudate or strike through can be seen on the bandage so it is obvious when it must be changed

Question 23

What must be done before you begin to apply the bandage?

Answer 23

all bandaging material is ready and has been removed from packaging to reduce noise and patient stress

Question 24

What needs to happen to bandaging materials if the patient is on the floor?

Answer 24

must be placed on a tray to keep them clean

Question 25

what type of scissors must be used for bandaging?

Answer 25

curved and blunt ended to reduce risk of injury to patient

Question 26

what can happen if the bandaging material is too small?

Answer 26

can cause increased compression and pressure sores

Question 27

what is the usual bandage size for cats and small dogs?

Answer 27

5cm

Question 28

what is the usual bandage size for medium dogs?

Answer 28

7.5cm

Question 29

what is the usual bandage size for large dogs?

Answer 29

10cm

Question 30

What position is the patient usually restrained in to perform a limb bandage?

Answer 30

lateral recumbancy with the limb to be bandaged uppermost

Question 31

where must the bandage roll be in relation to the bandage in order to reduce tension?

Answer 31

on top of the bandage

Question 32

where should a bandage be started and finished?

Answer 32

start at the distal end of the limb and then work proximally with each turn of the bandage

Question 33

why should a bandage be applied from the distal limb to the proximal limb?

Answer 33

follows blood flow up the limb

Question 34

With each new through of the bandage material what should be covered in order to ensure even tension?

Answer 34

cover at least half of the previous bandage throw

Question 35

where should bandages be ended?

Answer 35

medially where the patient cannot see the end in order to prevent interference

Question 36

What must never be done with a bandage?

Answer 36

split and twist of the ends, knots or safety pins

Question 37

how should the tension of a bandage be checked?

Answer 37

a finger should fit between the bandage and the patients skin

Question 38

If a patient is interfering with a bandage what must be checked?

Answer 38

pain, whether the bandage is too tight/ ill fitting

Question 39

What must owners be told when the patient is discharged with a bandage?

Answer 39

restricted exercise
bandage covered when patient is outside
not to allow the bandage to become wet or soiled
when they should bring back their pet for a bandage change/recheck
how to check toes if they have been left out of the bandage
how to contact the practice in an emergancy