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Performance Checklist - Applying Bandages

Bandages provide therapeutic benefits like securing dressings and reducing edema. This 3-step procedure guide outlines how to properly apply bandages. Steps include inspecting the skin, observing circulation, wrapping the area using various turns like circular or spiral to cover shapes, and securing the bandage. The nurse must document the application and assess the patient's response.

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Joan Cabs Fernndz
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1K views

Performance Checklist - Applying Bandages

Bandages provide therapeutic benefits like securing dressings and reducing edema. This 3-step procedure guide outlines how to properly apply bandages. Steps include inspecting the skin, observing circulation, wrapping the area using various turns like circular or spiral to cover shapes, and securing the bandage. The nurse must document the application and assess the patient's response.

Uploaded by

Joan Cabs Fernndz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING


RNSG 1216

PROCEDURE GUIDE AND CHECK-OFF SHEET


APPLYING BANDAGES

A bandage is a strip or roll of cloth wrapped around a body part. Bandages provide therapeutic benefits by
securing dressings, creating pressure on the body part, limiting movement, supporting a wound, and reducing or
preventing edema.

Delegation: This procedure may be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel with proper training. The nurse is
responsible for the assessment of the bandaged area, before and after the procedure. Note: There may be some
times when it is inappropriate to delegate this procedure.

Procedure Scientific Rationale

1. The following equipment is needed for this skill:


a. correct type and number of bandages a. Bandages are available in rolls of various widths and
materials, including gauze, elastic rolls, muslin, and
stockingette. Wrong widths can cause constriction or
excessive pressure. Using the correct size wrap or
b. pillows if applicable bandage promotes the appropriate distribution of
pressure.
c. safety pins, tape, self-closure devices. b. Pillows may be used to support limb and provide
comfort.
c. Safety pins, tape or self-closure devices are used to
secure bandage in place.
2. Inspect the skin integrity of area where bandage Altered skin integrity contraindicates the use of an elastic
will be applied. bandage.
3. Observe circulation in body parts to be wrapped. Observation of circulation prior to bandage application is
Note temperature, skin color, and sensation. important to establish a baseline in which to compare after
bandage is applied.
4. Close room door or curtain and assist patient to Maintains privacy, comfort and dignity. Proper positioning
assume a comfortable, anatomically correct before applying bandages maintains alignment and
position. Pillows may be needed to support body prevents musculoskeletal deformity.
part.
5. Expose the wound appropriately while maintaining Prepares the wound and limb to facilitate the procedure
limb in a functional position. and prevent interruption of the procedure; prevents
Ensure that the extremity is elevated for 15 to 30 patient discomfort by avoiding repositioning. Proper limb
minutes before applying the wrap or bandage. position prevents complications.
Elevation promotes venous return and reduces edema.
6. Hold roll of elastic bandage in dominant hand and Maintains appropriate and consistent bandage tension.
use other hand to lightly hold beginning of
bandage at distal body part.
Continue transferring roll to dominant hand as
bandage is wrapped.
7. Apply bandage from distal point toward proximal Bandage is applied to conform evenly to body part and
boundary using a variety of turns to cover various promote venous return.
shapes of body parts. Types of bandage turns
include:
a. circular: bandage turn overlapping previous a. Circular turns anchor bandage at the first and final turn.

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Procedure Scientific Rationale

turn completely.
b. spiral: bandage ascending body part with b. Spiral turns cover cylindrical body parts, such as wrist or
each turn overlapping previous one by one- upper arm.
half or two-thirds width of bandage.
c. spiral reverse: turn requiring twist of c. Spiral reverse turns cover cone- shaped body parts such
bandage halfway through each turn. as the forearm, thigh, or calf.
d. recurrent: bandage is first secured with two d. Recurrent turns cover uneven body parts such as head
circular turns around proximal end of body or stump.
part; half turn made perpendicular up from
bandage edge; body of bandage brought over
distal end of body part to be covered with
each turn folded back over on itself.
e. figure-eight: oblique overlapping turns e. Figure-eight turns cover joints and provide mobilization.
alternately ascending and descending over
bandaged part; each turn crossing previous
one to form figure eight.
8. Continue to unroll and very slightly stretch bandage Provides even bandage tension and prevents circulatory
while completing turns. impairment.
9. After body part is wrapped effectively, secure loose Securing bandage prevents loosening and slipping of
end of bandage with self-closure devices, tape or bandage.
safety pins. Secure first bandage before applying
additional rolls if necessary.
10. Evaluate distal circulation of affected body part. Early detection of circulatory difficulties prevents
neuromuscular complications.
11. Document bandage application and patient’s All data must be entered into patient’s record.
response. Document patient’s skin integrity and
circulation assessment.
12. Report any abnormal data to the appropriate Any abnormal finding must have a corresponding nursing
personnel. action.

N:ADN/ADN Syllabus/CBC Curriculum/Level I/1216/Performance Checklist for Basic Skills - Applying Bandages
Revised 04/16

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