The bandage technique consists of applying a bandage to some part of the body, to provide support, immobilize or provide compression.
Depending on their applications, various basic bandages are differentiated:
-Soft or containment bandage: used to secure wound dressings, burns…
-Compression bandage: used to exert methodical and uniform compression on a part of the body.
-Elastic bandage: used to provide progressive compression on a limb (from the distal to the proximal part) and promote venous return.
-Rigid bandage: used for total immobilization of the affected part.
Nursing Considerations:
-The bandage must always have a precise indication and will never be used routinely or when its application is really necessary.
-Hands should be washed before and after applying a bandage. If there is a wound in the area to be treated, it must be done with an aseptic technique.
-The type of bandage, its width and length must be selected based on the extent and thickness of the segment to be bandaged and the intended effect.
-The bandage should always begin at the most distal part, and move towards the proximal part.
-It is advisable to bandage from left to right, or the other way around when the person applying the bandage is left-handed. You have to keep the roll of bandage facing up and without unrolling it too much.
-The joint areas or bony prominences should be protected with padding before applying the bandage, as well as the adjacent areas that are included in the bandage should be separated with padding.
-After applying the bandage, you must check that it is painless and that the person is comfortable and can move the free parts without difficulty. The distal part should be inspected for neurovascular signs that suggest the development of complications due to excessive compression, assessing the condition and color of the skin and sensitivity.