Chapter 10 Bandaging Wounds

Dressings (1 of 2) A dressing covers an open wound and touches the wound. Whenever possible, a dressing should be: Sterile Larger than the wound Thick, soft, and compressible Lint free

Dressings (2 of 2) Purpose of using a dressing: Control bleeding Prevent infection and contamination Absorb blood and wound drainage Protect wound from further injury

Applying a Sterile Dressing Wash your hands and wear medical exam gloves. Use a dressing large enough to extend over the wound. Cover the dressing with a bandage.

Bandages (1 of 2) Should be clean but need not be sterile Can be used to: Hold a dressing in place. Apply pressure over a dressing. Prevent or reduce swelling. Provide support and stability for an extremity or joint.

Bandages (2 of 2) Signs that a bandage may be too tight: Blue tinge on fingernails or toenails Blue or pale skin color Coldness of extremity Inability to move fingers or toes

Types of Bandages Roller bandages Self-adhering, conforming bandages Gauze rollers Elastic roller bandages Triangular bandages Adhesive tape Adhesive strips

Applying a Cravat Bandage (1 of 3) To the head: Place middle of bandage over the dressing and wrap around the body part. Cross the two ends snugly over each other. Bring ends back around to where dressing is and tie ends in knot.

Applying a Cravat Bandage (2 of 3) To the arm or leg: Wrap center of bandage over the dressing. With one end, make one turn going up the extremity and another turn going down. Tie bandage off over the dressing.

Applying a Cravat Bandage (3 of 3) To the palm of the hand: Fill palm with bulky dressing or pad and close fingers. Wrap bandage, crossing over the fingers and around the wrist. Tie the bandage off at the wrist.

Applying a Roller Bandage (1 of 2) Spiral method: Make two straight anchoring turns with the bandage. Wrap with criss-cross (figure-eight turns). Finish with two straight turns and secure the bandage.

Applying a Roller Bandage (2 of 2) Figure-of-Eight method: Anchor bandage with one or two turns. Continue alternating the turns in figure-of-eight maneuver until body part is secured.

Securing Bandages (1 of 2) Loop method: Reverse direction of bandage by looping it around a thumb or finger. Continue back to the opposite side of the body part. Encircle part with the looped end and the free end. Tie ends together.

Securing Bandages (2 of 2) Split-tail method: Split end of bandage lengthwise for about 12 inches. Tie in a knot to prevent further splitting. Pass ends in opposite directions around body part and tie.