Bandaging Flashcards
What are the 8 reasons to use a bandage?
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
What issues can a poorly fitting bandage cause?
pressure sores, ulcers and wounds
What are the 3 layers from which bandages are made?
primary, secondary and tertiary
What makes up the primary layer of a bandage?
the dressing which is placed over the wound
What is important about the conditions in which the primary bandage is placed?
should be placed aseptically
What are 3 different functions of primary dressing layers?
provide protection, absorb exudate, help with debriding wounds
What factors does the selection of primary bandage layer depend on?
stage of healing, presence of exudate and whether assistance with debridement is needed
What type of wounds can Melolin be applied to?
over surgical wounds but not open wounds
what are the absorption properties of Melolin?
limited
In what way must Melolin be applied?
shiny side towards wound
What is the main aim of a Melolin dressing?
creation of a moist, aseptic environment to aid healing
How is Primapore different from Melolin dressing?
it is an adhesive version of Melolin
To what wounds can Primapore be applied?
surgical wounds up to 48 hours after surgery
is a bandage needed with Primapore?
no but can be used if extra support needed
What is Allevyn used for?
covering open wounds where exudate is an expected product of wound healing
What are the absorption properties of Allevyn like?
high
What is the secondary layer of a bandage made up og?
a synthetic or cotton padding layer
What must be done to ensure animal comfort when applying a secondary bandage layer over a limb?
padding must be placed between each toe and under the pad
What does the tertiary layer of a bandage consist of?
a conforming layer which holds the padding layer in place and in some cases applies compression to the dressing
What is the tertiary layer followed by?
cohesive layer (vetwrap)
What does the cohesive bandage layer serve as?
outermost protective layer as it sticks to itself
When using a colourful cohesive bandage what must be considered?
whether exudate or strike through can be seen on the bandage so it is obvious when it must be changed
What must be done before you begin to apply the bandage?
all bandaging material is ready and has been removed from packaging to reduce noise and patient stress
What needs to happen to bandaging materials if the patient is on the floor?
must be placed on a tray to keep them clean
what type of scissors must be used for bandaging?
curved and blunt ended to reduce risk of injury to patient
what can happen if the bandaging material is too small?
can cause increased compression and pressure sores
what is the usual bandage size for cats and small dogs?
5cm
what is the usual bandage size for medium dogs?
7.5cm
what is the usual bandage size for large dogs?
10cm
What position is the patient usually restrained in to perform a limb bandage?
lateral recumbancy with the limb to be bandaged uppermost
where must the bandage roll be in relation to the bandage in order to reduce tension?
on top of the bandage
where should a bandage be started and finished?
start at the distal end of the limb and then work proximally with each turn of the bandage
why should a bandage be applied from the distal limb to the proximal limb?
follows blood flow up the limb
With each new through of the bandage material what should be covered in order to ensure even tension?
cover at least half of the previous bandage throw
where should bandages be ended?
medially where the patient cannot see the end in order to prevent interference
What must never be done with a bandage?
split and twist of the ends, knots or safety pins
how should the tension of a bandage be checked?
a finger should fit between the bandage and the patients skin
If a patient is interfering with a bandage what must be checked?
pain, whether the bandage is too tight/ ill fitting
What must owners be told when the patient is discharged with a bandage?
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
