ANSWER:
Bandaging is a basic procedure but if carried out incorrectly it has the potential to cause considerable harm, for example by restricting movement or blood flow. Bandages may be used for:
- Retaining primary dressings;
- Support;
- Compression;
- As a vehicle for administering medication, for example zinc oxide bandages.planation.
EXPLANATION:
For example, in the tubular bandage category, tubular stockinette, which has little elasticity, is primarily used for dressing retention.
In the same category, elasticated tubular bandages are most frequently used to support patients’ joints following sprains and also to reduce or prevent formation of oedema.
Bandages are also used in the application of graduated compression for the management of venous leg ulcers. Compression can be achieved by using a variety of different types of bandage, including:
- Long stretch;
- Short stretch;
- Single layer (must always include a padding layer);
- Multilayer, including cohesive or medicated components.
Compression bandaging has been widely reviewed elsewhere and will not be discussed in this article.
