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
techniques to anchor bandage
stirrups
tape overlay
torso strap
tie over bandage
patch bandage
fur incorporation
when is tape overlay used to secure a banage
torso and abdominal bandages
what dis?
torso strap
figure 8 bandage material around forelimbs, place tape cross-buckle to hold bandage cranially
when is a tie over bandage used
in areas where circumferential bandage is difficult
loose interrupted sutures around periphery, cover with dressing, umbilical tape holds in place
when is a patch bandage used
used to protect incision lines post op
areas that cannot place circumferential bandage
T/F fur incorporation is used for tail bandages
True
incorportate fur on the last taped layer
things to look for when assessing a bandage
pain/ discomfort
swollen/cold digits
foul odor
drainage/discharge
mutilation
fever
T/F modified robert jones provides little support and compression but protects wounds
True
when is a reinforced modied robert jones used
to add additional support for minimally displaced stable fractures
when is a robert jones bandage indicated
temporatry stabilization of fractures distal to the elbow/stifle - provides comfort until can fix surgically
decreases edema
what can be used to temporarily splint fractures/luxations proximal to or including the eblow/stifle
Spica splint - immobilizes upper extremeties
when is a velpeau sling used
creates a non-weight bearing forelimb
immobilization after reduction of shoulder luxation
primary stabilization for some scapular fractures
“velpeau for elbow”
when is an ehmer sling indicated
after reduction of cranial dorsal lip luxation
provides femoral abduction, inward hip rotation - creates non-weight bearing hind limb
what are these
DoggLeggs
- adjustable and breathable material, minimizes skin irritation from tape*
- ehmer sling and vest, velpeau sling*
when is a robinson sling indicated
tibial or femoral fracture repair
post-op coxofemoral or stifle surgery
AKA pelvic limb sling, creates non weight bearing hindlimb, allows limited motion
indications for full leg casts
as adjunct following internal fixation or arthrodesis
contraindications of full leg cast
wounds
significant inflammation
femur or humerus
how far should cast padding be extended past the cast
1 cm beyond intended length of cast
when is a bivalved cast used
anticipation of frequent cast changes
wound management
allow reuse of cast material
when are metacarpal/metatarsal splints used
fractures at or below carpus
additional support following fractures, luxations and arthrodesis
incorporated into modified robert jones bandage
