BANDAGING

Gracy C. Espino RN, MAN

BANDAGES:
A strip of woven materials
used to hold dressing in
place.

Purposes:
1. To apply pressure over an area.
2. To correct a deformity.
3. To hold protective dressing & splints in
place.
4. To immobilize a body part.
5. To provide support to a limb or joint.
6. To prevent/ reduce edema.
7. To supply or maintain body heat.

Principles:
S - Speed
C - Careful handling
A - Accuracy
N - Neatness

Signs of improper
Bandaging
1. Swelling
2. Numbness
3. Tingling sensation
4. Pallor/ Cyanosis
5. Pain

TYPES OF BANDAGES:
1. ROLLER GAUZE
holds dressing
in place
does not stretch
quite strong

TYPES OF BANDAGES:
2. ELASTIC BANDAGE
Flexible and stretchable
used in extremities,
head or torso
provide constant
pressure over an area
facilitate venous return

TYPES OF BANDAGES:
3. Triangular bandages
It is primarily used as first aid device.
Used to secure dressings on
head/scalp
Its principal use is for arm sling.
Cravat or handkerchief

TYPES OF BANDAGES:
4. Tubular Bandage
Tubular elastic stretch net
applying gentle pressure to
keep bandages
Ideal for securing burn or
post-op dressings
Allows maximum air-flow.

UNROLLING A BANDAGE

 Dont unroll the entire

bandage before
wrapping; this can cause
uneven pressure which
interferes with blood
circulation.

METHODS OF APPLICATION

1. CIRCULAR WRAP
Bandage turn overlapping previous
turn completely.
Secure a dressing or covers a small
part (finger, toe)

METHODS OF APPLICATION
2. SPIRAL WRAP
used in covering a large area of a
cylindrical part (wrist or upper arm);
cone shaped body parts (forearm,
arm, leg, & thigh)

METHODS OF APPLICATION
3. REVERSE SPIRAL
covers cone shaped body parts
such as forearm, thigh or calf.

METHODS OF APPLICATION
4. FIGURE of 8 -used over a joint to
provide easy flexion. (neck, armpit, chest);
distal portion of extremities or a stump that
has not been casted*.

METHODS OF APPLICATION
5. RECURRENT FOLD
are used to cover distal parts of the
body (the end of a finger, the head, or
stump after amputation)

Basic rules of bandaging

Before applying a bandage, you

need to know its purpose (whether
to support or apply a pressure,
etc.) and assess the area requiring
support.
Choose the width of the bandage
according to the size of body part

Basic rules of bandaging

Put the body part in its normal

position, with the joint slightly
flexed to promote circulation &
prevent deformity & discomfort.

Basic rules of bandaging

Bandages should be applied

snugly, but never so tightly that
circulation is impeded or pain
occurs.
Apply bandage from distal area
toward proximal boundary to
promote venous return.

Basic rules of bandaging

Check distal circulation periodically;

too tight application may cause
neurovascular damage.
always leave the end of the body part
exposed so that it is possible to assess
the adequacy of the blood circulation
to the extremity.*

Signs of decreased circulation:

- cyanosis
- pallor
- coolness
- numbness
- tingling
- swelling
- absent or diminished pulses.

Basic rules of bandaging

The following turn must lie

overlapping previous turn in its
one-half to two-thirds.
Every bandage has to be started
and finished with basic circular
turns.
Avoid leaving gaps in layers,
which may cause uneven
pressure

Basic rules of bandaging

When bandaging an extremity, start

bandaging at the distal end to aid
the return flow of venous blood and
to decrease the chance of edema or
circulatory impairment.

Basic rules of bandaging

If you need to use more bandages, put

a new bandage 10 cm under free end
of previous bandage and repeat the
bandage or secure first bandage with
tape before applying additional rolls.
Apply additional rolls without leaving
any uncovered skin surface. Secure
last bandage applied.

Basic rules of bandaging

Friction between skin surfaces

(under arms, under breast) and over
bony prominences can be prevented
by padding these susceptible areas
with gauze or cotton wool.

Basic rules of bandaging

Cover dressings with bandages at

least 5 cm beyond the edges of
the dressing to prevent the
dressing and wound from
becoming contaminated.

Basic rules of bandaging

Face the patient when applying a

bandage to maintain uniform
tension and the appropriate
direction of the bandage, keep
contact with patient.

Basic rules of bandaging

Bandages are fastened in place

with adhesive tape, metal clips
or making the knot. Particularly
tapes and clips should be
located away from the skin to
avoid localized pressure and
harming the skin.

Basic rules of bandaging

Change the bandage at least

once daily.
Observe for allergic reaction.

Basic rules of bandaging

Work quickly and gently.

Think about economy dont
waste the material.
Remember hand washing; wear
gloves to prevent contact with
body fluids.

Any Questions?

33

THANK YOU!