Prepared by: Ma. Aurora L.

Garcia, RN

Objectives:

a.

b.

c.

At the end of lecture discussion, the students will be able to: Define Bandages and identify purposes in application of bandages Familiarize Assessments made before application of bandage Enumerate the principles of bandaging, evaluation and reassessment in application of bandage.

Bandages:

Are narrow strips of fabric, gauze, or elastic material Used on wounds to promote healing

Bandages:

Cover wounds, hold dressings in place & reduce edema. Used to supply pressure or support to an area with out compromising circulation, alignment or mobility. Can control hemorrhaging Used for immobilization

Assessment before applying

Assess the wound & rationale for bandaging. Assess Circulation Inspect skin for temp, color, pulses, abrasions, edema, discoloration, or exposed wound edges

Assessment

Assess the condition of underlying dressings and change them if soiled

Assessment

Cover exposed wounds or open abrasions with a sterile dressing

Assessment

Assess the skin of underlying body parts and parts that will be distal to the bandage for signs of circulatory impairment to provide a basis for comparison

Assessment

Assess level of consciousness (LOC).

Can client report if bandage is too tight.

If decreased LOC use interventions to ensure dressing is not too tight.

Elastic Bandages

Elastic Bandages

Elastic bandages can be used on any body part and to apply compression to any area, with the exception of the neck.

Principles of Bandaging

Position the body part to be bandaged in a comfortable position of normal anatomical alignment

Principles of Bandaging
Prevent friction between/ against skin surfaces by applying gauze or cotton padding Never secure skin to skin

Principles of Bandaging

Apply bandages securely to prevent slippage during movement

Principles of Bandaging

When bandaging extremities, apply bandage first at the distal end and progress toward the trunk

Applying Bandages
Apply bandages firmly, with equal tension exerted over each turn or layer Avoid excess overlapping of bandage layers

Applying Bandages

Position pins, knots, or ties away from wound or sensitive skin areas

Evaluation & Reassessment

Assess circulation 20 minutes after application then every 2 hours thereafter Remove and reapply bandages and binders every 8 hours

Antiembolism Stockings

Antiembolism Stockings

Assess circulation in both extremities. Pay particular attention to color, temperature, and texture of skin and quality of pulses. Check capillary refill- it should be less than 3 seconds

Measurement
1.

2.

Knee-hi: Measure the circumference of the widest part of the calf The length of the lower leg from heel to fold of popliteal fossa

Measurement
1.

2.
3.

Thigh-hi: Measure The circumference of the widest part of the calf Plus the widest part of the thigh The length is from the base of the heel to the gluteal fold

Antiembolism Stockings

Legs should be level with heart for 15 to 20 minutes before applying antiembolytic stockings. (Client should lie down & not sit in chair or bed prior to application).

Scultetus Binders

Straight abdominal and Scultetus binders are used to support the abdomen. Place patient in supine position and place the abdominal binder under client with upper border of the binder at the waist and the lower border at the level of the gluteal fold.

Assessment after applying abdominal binder

Assess respiratory rate 20 minutes and PRN after application of abd binder.

Arm Sling

What conditions is a sling used for?

To immobilize an arm or shoulder injured by sprain, dislocation, or FX

Arm Sling

Arm sling will prevent dependent edema, promote rest & support upper extremity. Often used with arm cast or as first aid to prevent further damage.

Arm Sling

May be triangular piece of fabric or commercially made Assessment:

Assess arm, clavicle & shoulder If possibility of neck injury do not use sling Assess skin integrity

Patient Education

Teach pt. how to apply & remove the sling. Keep hand just above the elbow Remove sling once or twice per day to do ROM as ordered Check neurovascular status of fingers and hand.

Knot tied at side of neck

Thank you for listening!!!