BY Monika Devi NR M.Sc.Nursing GMCH Jammu

1. bandages
By
Monika Devi NR
M.Sc.Nursing
GMCH Jammu

2. Introduction
A bandage is a strip of fabric used to dress and bind up wounds.
In medicine, bandage refines and elaborates upon this basic form, combining it
with casts, slings, and splints to heal all kinds of injuries.
It is important to do the proper bandaging technique when using and
administering first aid on a wound or injury.
The main goal of placing a bandage on an injury is for immobilization,
protection, support or compression.
If the bandaging technique is not done properly, it could exacerbate the damage.
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3. Definition
A bandage is any gauze or cloth material used for any
of the purpose to support or to hold or to immobilize
the body part. Bandaging is a technique of application
of specific roller bandages to different parts of body
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4. Purpose
• To control bleeding by pressure
• To immobilize sprained or fractured limb
• To hold a dressing or compress in place
• To secure splints in case of fracture of deformity
• To protect open wound from contaminants
• To provide support and aid in case of varicose veins or impaired
circulation
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5. General Principles
• The patient should be placed in a comfortable position and it should
convenient for the nurse
• The position of the part to be ban aged should be well supported and
elevated if necessary
• The nurse should stand directly in front of the patient or facing part to
be damaged
• A bandage should accomplish its purpose. It may be used to hold
dressing in place, to support a part or to immobilize
• Apply and fix bandage at least two circular turns around part is its
smallest diameter, so that it can stay in place
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6. • Skin surfaces should be separated. They may be separated. They may be
separated by either gauze or cotton. In the application of casts, special padding
is used over bony prominences
• Always bandage to the right
• Exert even pressure as far as possible. The bandage should be done in the
direction of the venous circulation
• Do not cover the ends of the finger or toes, unless it is necessary in order to
cover the injury. It is necessary to observe circulatory changes
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General Principles

7. • Never apply a wet bandage. When wet bandage applied, terms to shrink and
become tight as it dries
• Do not apply a bandage too loosely because it may slip and expose the wound
• All turns of bandage should be made clockwise unless there is some special
reason for doing otherwise the roll should be held in the palm of the hand,
with the free end of the bandage coming from the part of the roll
• Applying bandage, secure terminal extremity by pinning with safety pins or
strapping adhesive
• Remove bandages by gathering folds in a loose mass. Passing mass from one
hand to the other
• Examine the bandage part frequently for pain, swelling, etc
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General Principles

8. Roller Bandage Types
A roller bandage is a strip of gauze or cotton material prepared in a
roll. Roller bandages can be used to immobilize injured body
parts (sprains and torn muscles), provide pressure to control
internal or external bleeding, absorb drainage, and secure
dressings. Three types of bandages are :
• The Kerlex Bandage,
• The Gauze Bandage, And
• The Elastic Bandage
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9. • Kerlex bandage: the bandage is absorbent, loosely woven, and
conforms easily to uneven surfaces, such as the hand, wrist,
elbow, shoulder, groin, knee, ankle, and foot. The Kling bandage
is similar to the Kerlex’s bandage. These bandages are used
primarily for bleeding injuries
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Roller Bandage Types

10. • Gauze roller bandage: the gauze roller bandage is absorbent,
loosely woven, cotton fabric. It does not conform well to uneven
surfaces and is not to be used on areas prone to chafing such as
shoulders, elbows, groin and other jointed areas. It is used
primarily on bleeding injuries on the upper arm, forearm, thigh
and lower leg
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Roller Bandage Types

11. • Elastic Roller Bandage: the elastic roller bandage is composed of
cloth and elastic that allows it to stretch and retract. It conforms to
uneven surfaces and applies even pressure to the area covered. It is
used to apply pressure and/or restrict movement. The elastic bandage
is normally used when a sprain needs to be immobilized. Make sure
the bandage is not right enough to restrict blood flow unless it is used
as a pressure dressing
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Roller Bandage Types

12. Types
• Circular bandage: the bandage is wrapped around the part with
complete overlapping of the previous bandage turn. This is used
primarily for anchoring a bandage where it is begun and where it is
terminated
• Spiral bandage: the bandage ascends in a spiral manner so that each
turn overlaps the preceding one by one half or two-thirds the width of
the bandage. The spiral turn is useful for the wrist, the finger and the
trunk
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13. • Figure-of-eight: the figure-of-eight turn consists of making oblique
overlapping turns that ascend and descend alternatively. It is effective
for use around joints, such as the knee, the elbow, and the ankle.
• Recurrent-stumps bandage: after a few circular turns to anchor the
bandage the initial end of the bandage is placed in the center of the body
part being bandaged, well back from the tip to be covered. Recurrent
bandages are used for gingers for the hand and for the stump of an
amputated limb
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Types

14. T-bandage: it is used to secure rectal or perineal dressing. The
double “T” bandage is used for males and single “T” bandages is
for the females. The strips of the “T” bandage are brought
between the patients leg and is pinned to the waist band in front
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Types

15. Materials
• Gauze
• Muslin
• Rubber
• Elastic
• Flannel
• Crinoline for plaster
• Adhesive
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16. Assessing Before Applying Bandage
• Inspect and palpate the area for swelling
• Inspect for the presence of and status of wounds
• Note the presence of drainage (amount, color, odor, and velocity)
• Inspect and palpate for adequacy of circulation (skin temperature, color
and sensation)
• Ask the patient about any pain experienced (location, intensity, onset
and quality)
• Assess the ability of the patient to reapply the bandage when needed
• Assess the capabilities of the patient regarding activities of daily living
(to dress, comb hair, bath)
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17. Equipment
Clean bandage of the appropriate material and width, safety
pin, adhesive tape, and special metal clips
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18. Procedure
• Explain to patient
• Make sure that the area to be bandaged is clean and dry
• Stand opposite to the patient if possible
• Support the affected part adequately ensuring correct body alignment to
prevent deformity and impair circulation
• Keep bandage roll uppermost with free and above site to be bandaged
• Bandage from below to upward
• Cover two – thirds of previous turn, avoid loose edges
• Take requires number of turns so that purpose is achieved.
• Secure the end of the bandage with tape. Metal clips or a safety pin over
an uninjured area
• Document the site and type of bandage used
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19. Special Bandages
• Eye bandage (monocular): bandage of 1.5-2 width is required.
Place the free end of bandage at temporal region on the same side
of eye to be bandaged. A piece of tape is passed under bandage
on side of eye and tie so as to prevent bandage from sliding over
good eye
• Binocular bandage: figure-of-eight technique is used. Start from
right temporal region take one turn. Around head, down over the
left eye, under right ear right eye to right to left temple. Repeat
around heal to right temple following previous pattern until both
eyes are covered
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20. • Ear-mastoid bandage: bandage with 2 feet width and 5 yards
length is required make circular turns around head above ears,
beginning on affected side. Follow with circular turns. The first
turn is taken beneath occiput, and carried high over to opposite
side of head below ear.
• Jaw Barton bandage: used in fracture of lower jaw and to hold
dressing on chin. Bandage of 2 inches width and 5-6 yards length
is required. Begin at nape of neck below occiput, carry bandage
obliquely up, behind and close to ear, then under chin and up in
front of left ear to top of head
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Special Bandages

21. • Cape line bandage (head bandage): a double roller bandage of
2 feet width and 8 yards length is required. Place center of
bandage in middle of forehead and carry roller in opposite
direction to occipital. Cross rollers one over other. The roller in
inferior position in brought over head to middle of forehead
• Shoulder spica: a bandage of 2 ½ inches width and 8 yards is
required. The spica may be either descending or ascending. The
ascending type is most commonly used. While applying bandage,
stand at side which is to be bandage. A pad must be placed in
axilla.
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Special Bandages

22. Bandaging Techniques
• Guidelines in Using Dressing and Bandages
• There are certain guidelines to follow to ensure proper
bandaging technique.
• Use a dressing that is large enough to go beyond at least 1 inch
of the wound edges
• For exposed body tissues or organs, make sure to cover the
wound with non-stick dressing, e.g. moistened gauze or plastic.
Secure the dressing using adhesive tapes or bandages
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23. • For bandages over a point, keep the joint immobilized by creating
a bulky dressing
• Ensure that the bandage is tight but not too tight to cut off
circulation. Signs that circulation is cut off include color change
(to bluish) especially of the extremities, tingling sensation, feeling
cold, or swelling. Once these begin to show, loosen the bandage.
• Bandaging technique will depend on, the first aider’s skills, the
size and location of the wounds, and the materials available
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Bandaging Techniques

24. Triangular Bandage
• The first bandaging technique to be discussed is the triangular
bandage. The triangular bandage is one of the most standard
contents of a first aid kit. It has plenty of uses, such as a sling to
support an injury to the upper body, padding for major wounds
and a bandage for immobilization purposes. It is quite easy to
make and they are as follows:
• Stretch the piece of fabric that will be used. Opt to use a long
stretch to create more triangular bandages, which can be used in
the fracture
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25. • Cut the fabric into a square, approximately 3 ft multiply 3 ft. cut
the square diagonally into two equal halves, creating two triangle
• There are two ways to sterilize the bandages (sterilizing will
reduce infection risk). First option is to pull the bandage in
boiling water. The second option is to soak the bandage in
hydrogen peroxide or any other disinfectant. Dry before use
• If possible, iron the triangular bandage, so it can be easily used
during a time of need
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Triangular Bandage

26. Roller Bandage
• The second bandaging technique to be discussed is the roller bandage.
Similarly, the roller bandage is a standard for many first aid kits and
has many practical uses.
• These include controlling bleeding, pressure bandage and keeping the
dressing in place. The following are the steps to make a roller bandage:
• Allow the individual to stay in a position where they are most
comfortable. Give enough support to the affected part before beginning
to apply the bandage. Hold the “head” end of the bandage while using
the “tail” end to wrap the affected part. Wrap the affected area only a
few centimeters at a time to ensure that tightness is maintained
• After each turn, begin with a locking turn to hold the start of the
bandage in place
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27. • One has two options, whichever is more applicable. Begin from
the middle part of the affected part or limb moving toward an
outward direction. The second option is to begin with the
narrowest part, below the dressing, and moving upward
• Ensure that each turn of bandage will cover two thirds of the
prior turn of bandage
• Cover the dressing or padding used completely
• Finish with a straight turn at the end of the bandage. Use an
adhesive tape to secure the roller bandage in place
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Roller Bandage

28. Conclusion
• Many bandages are simple to use and are available in hospitals and the
community.
• Many of the products can be bought over the counter and used without
any supervision from a healthcare professional. Because of the range of
products available today, it is no longer necessary to be able to carry
out the many complicated bandaging techniques that used to be taught
in nurse training, such as the application of the many-tailed bandage or
the thumb spica. However, this does not detract from the fact that
bandaging is a skill and the application of proper bandages requires
thorough training and assessment of competence.
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29. Selecting an appropriate method of fixation requires thought,
identification of the main objectives, and common sense. The
overriding objective must be to retain a dressing or support a
limb but consideration must also be given to the practicalities
of the patient’s daily life.
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Conclusion

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