small animal bandaging Flashcards
why do we apply bandages in SA?
aid to the ongoing healing of a wound, surgical site or in the event of first aid
what is the purpose of a bandage in SA?
- we will help to stabilise the wound surface preventing any disruption to the healing response of the body.
- Protection from trauma or contamination, self-trauma can be a big issue in veterinary medicine, also migrating bacteria could colonise and infect the site.
- By keeping the area protected from the above we will help with local pain relief.
- In a first aid situation we can prevent further trauma aid clotting and prevent further contamination.
what is the primary layer of a SA bandage?
the wound dressing
decribe a dry wound dressing:
sterile clean swabs applied directly to the wound, useful for debridement of a wound if surgical intervention is not needed.
decribe a impregnated dressing:
these have something on them to facilitate wound healing petroleum or antibiotics and can be used for superficial open wounds.
describe a semi-occlusive dressing:
these have a non stick material with a central absorbent core and often come with a adhesive to allow the dressing to be kept in place and are good for short term post surgical closure.
describe a absorbant dressing
These are often padded and colour coded to show which side goes onto the wound they can be designed to absorb different amount of exudate from large wounds not suitable for surgery and remove it from the surface whilst maintaining a moist healing area.
describe a alginate dressing
these are made of naturally occurring kelp/seaweed these can be moistened and applied to wound that has become static and help to encourage release in to the wound inflammatory factors that will restate the process, they will dry and need to be flushed with saline to remove.
what things can be impregnated on dressings?
- antibiotics
- Silver, iodine, honey all with antimicrobial properties and bactericidal actions and can be used to prevent infection and also treat local signs of infection whilst encouraging healing.
what are topical wound gels used for?
used to keep the wound moist whilst also drawing away excess exudate into the absorbent dressing above. They can also be used when you have a large crevice that not other dressing will fit into.
what are the two components of the secondary layer?
supportive/padding layer
On top of this can be placed an open weave or conforming gauze that will help to apply some light pressure and also hold the padding in place.
what is the purpose of the padding layer?
designed to provide comfort during the time the bandage is in place.
This layer is also necessary to absorb exudative material that may leak through the dressing and will need to be thick enough to prevent `strike through to the tertiary layer.
what is the purpose of the conforming layer?
applies light pressure and also hold the padding in place.
This layer will also aid in the absorption of exudate.
Care must be taken not to apply this layer too tight as to cause restriction and over compression leading to discomfort and possible restriction of circulation to the limb.
what is the purpose of the tertiary layer?
hold all the others in place and provide a protection particularly when the animal is walking on it.
Sometime a adhesive layer may be preferable as these materials are stronger and thicker but they must not be stuck to the patient as they will be painful on removal
why do you need to unwrap a teriary layer prior to applying to the patient?
material has a memory and will tighten on application so make sure you unwrap a little before applying it to the patient.
