SL1 - Bandages, Splints, and Casts Flashcards
functions of bandages
promote healing
protect wounds
absorption
eliminate dead space
apply or relieve pressure
modulate pain
stabilize
3 primary components
primary layer - directly contacts wound/patient
secondary layer - should never contact wound
tertiary layer - outer layer
characteristics of primary layer/wound dressing
final barrier
absorbes/transfers to secondary layer
maintains moist wound environment
sterile
types of primary layers
adherent - wet to dry, dry to dry
non adherent - healthy tissue, granulation tissue
what determines the type of primary layer used
phase of wound healing
amount of exudate
presence of infection or necrosis
why are dry to dry dressing not commonly used for open wounds
painful to remove
can dry and damage healing tissue
when are wet to dry dressings used
in early wound management (3-5 days)
not on healthy tissue - can damage
advantages of wet to dry dressings
provides hydration
dilutes exudate
wicks exudate
removes necrotic tissue
characteristics of non adherent dressings
applied to healthy tissue
removed without disturbance
provides moisture
allows absorption
functions of secondary bandage layer
absorb and hold drainage from wound
provide support/immobilization
decrease dead space
reduce edema
control hemorrhage
hold primary dressing in place
materials used in secondary layer
rolled cotton
cast padding
cause pads
rolled gaize
what determines the thickness of secondary layer
amount of discharge/absorption
amount of pressure required
amount of support
immobilization
protection
rules for secondary layer application
3-4 digits exposed
approx 50% overlap
apply distal to proximal
never contact wound
normal functional angle
+/- spints/casts
change before exudate reaches tertiary layer (BacT strike through)
characteristics of tertiary layer
binding layer (holds other 2 layers in place)
protects underlying layers from contamination
porous/breathable
elasticon/vet wrap used
bandage slippage
limbs - distally
torso - caudally
toward narrower circumference