Final Exam - Casting & Bandaging Flashcards
why do we use bandages?
compression, support, absorption, topical treatment of wounds, & protection
what materials make up a bandage?
primary layer, cast padding, stretch gauze, & vet wrap
what is laplace’s law & associated equation?
pressure = (N X T)/(R X W)
N - number of layers
T - tension
R - radius
W - width of bandage material
higher pressure of bandages is associated with what?
increased layers, increased tension, smaller limb radius, & smaller bandage width
where are pressure points commonly seen with bandages?
calcaneus, olecranon, & implants
why does bandage pressure matter?
can compromise vascular supply of the skin leading to arteriolar closing & skin necrosis
what pressure is needed for arteriolar closing in skin?
~30 mmHg
how can you manage bandage pressure?
use enough padding, 50% overlap between layers, no ridging/bunching, apply bandage distal to proximal, cushion pressure points, include toes, unroll then re-roll vetwrap, address problems fast, & change bandage frequently
at a minimum, how often should bandages be changed?
once per week by veterinary professionals
when should a bandage be replaced sooner than 1 week?
change sooner if painful, crying out, animal isn’t using the limb, or the bandage gets dirty or wet
why does a bandage need to be kept clean/dry?
wet bandages shrink & avoid contamination
keep it covered outside, remove covering once inside, & change immediately if dirty
an owner should check their pets toes twice daily for what?
swelling, very hot or very cold temperature, & pain
T/F: exercise restriction is necessary while a bandage is in place
true
when should you instruct an owner to call you with concerns about their pets bandage?
foul odor, it slips, gets dirty, toes are swollen or cold, or patient is painful & not using the leg
how is pressure managed in casts?
make a bi-valved cast & have appropriate patient selection
how is casting performed?
starts similar to modified robert jones with cast padding & stretch gauze & then wrap with toilet paper or cling wrap
wear gloves, dip cast roll in water, wrap with 50% overlap, & wait for material to harden
what should be done when making a bivalved cast?
label the sides of the casts & mark where you want to cut it - use sedation when making
bandage changes every week & be prepared to manage bandage sores
what happens if cast/bandage care isn’t done correctly in a post-op bone surgery patient?
malalignment
implant loosening
bandage sores
splint/cast doesn’t replace exercise restriction
what is included in appropriate patient selection for casts/splints?
greenstick fractures
simple, transverse fractures
distal to the elbow or stifle
good alignment
added stability after surgery
what fracture types are not amenable to casts/splints?
comminuted fractures
oblique fractures
articular fractures
unable to stabilize the joint above & below
what are some indications for a spica splint?
post elbow luxation repair
scapular fractures/luxations
post-op support
temporary stabilization for transport
what is the use of a spica splint?
immobilization of mid to proximal limb made out of thermoplast or fibroglass
what is a velpau sling?
sling used for shoulder or elbow support for scapular fractures
pre-made sleeves available
what is the purpose of an ehmer sling on the pelvic limb?
prevents weight bearing & provides internal rotation of the hip & abduction of the limb
