Dressings and Bandages

DressingsDressingsSterile covering placed over wound or injured partUsed to control bleeding, absorb blood and secretions, prevent infection and ease painDressings are held in place with tape or a bandage

DressingsTypes of materialsGauze pads in a variety of sizesCompresses with thick absorbent materialAvoid fluff cotton because loose cotton fibers may contaminate the woundHandkerchief or pillowcase may be used in emergency

BandagesBandagesMaterials used to hold dressings in place, to secure splints and to support and protect body partsApply snugly enough to control bleeding and prevent movement of dressing, but not so tightly that they interfere with circulation

BandagesTypes of materialsRoller gauze bandagesCome in variety of widthsCommon ones are 1-, 2-, and 3-inch widthsUsed to hold dressings in place on almost any part of the body

BandagesTriangular bandagesUsed to secure dressings on head/scalp or as a slingAt times used as covering for large body part such as hand, foot or shoulderElastic bandagesReadily conform or mold to injured partCan be hazardous if applied too tightly or stretched during application because they can cut off or constrict circulationUsed to provide support or stimulate circulation

Applying DressingsApplying dressingsObtain correct size: should be large enough to extend at least 1 inch beyond edges of woundPrevent infection by avoiding contamination of dressingOpen package taking care not to touch or handle sterile dressing with your fingers

Applying DressingsPick up dressing with pinching action so you handle only one side or outside of dressingPlace dressing on wound with untouched side against woundSecure dressing in place with tape or bandage wrap

Methods of Wrapping BandagesMethods of wrapping bandagesSeveral methods are usedMethod used depends on body part involved

Methods of Wrapping BandagesCircular bandageFrequently used to hold dressings on body parts such as arms, legs, chest or abdomenTriangular bandage folded down to form strip of bandage or cravatStrips of cloth or gauze bandage can also be usedExample pressure bandage

Methods of Wrapping BandagesSpiral wrap bandageUsed to hold dressings in place on arm or leg or used to provide support to a limbSpiral wrap is started at bottom of limb and moves up in direction of blood flow to the heartSpiral motion is used to encircle the limb and the bandage is overlapped about one-half its width on each turnAt top of limb or stopping point, end with one or two circular wraps around limbSecure end with tape, pins or clips

Methods of Wrapping BandagesFigure eight wrapUsed to hold bandages or provide support to joints such as ankle or wristElastic bandage is used if support is providedAnchor bandage on instep of footMake one or two circular turns around instep of foot

Methods of Wrapping BandagesForm a figure eightCarry bandage up over foot in diagonal directionWrap bandage around back of ankleCome down over top of the footCircle under the instepRepeat figure eight pattern while moving downward and backward toward heel with each successive turnOverlap previous turn by one-half to two-thirds width of bandageEnd by circling ankle with one or two circular turnsSecure in place with tape, clips or pins

Methods of Wrapping BandagesRecurrent wrap to fingerUsed to hold dressing or splint on fingerFold bandage backward and forward over finger three to four times to form a recurrent wrapStart at bottom of finger and use spiral wrap up and down the finger to hold recurrent wraps in positionUse a figure eight around the wrist to hold bandage in placeEnd with one or two circular wraps around the wristTie, tape or pin bandage at the wrist

Checkpoints for CirculationCheckpoints for circulationImportant to check circulation after bandage applied to make sure bandage is not too tightSigns of poor or impaired circulationSwelling or edemaPale or cyanotic colorColdness to touchNumbness or tinglingPoor or slow return to pink color after nailbeds are blanchedLoosen bandages immediately if any signs of impaired circulation are noted