BANDAGING

    DEFINITION: It refers to a technique of application of covering of a break in the

skin 
    or an injured part.

PURPOSE:
1. To hold a dressing in place over a wound.
2. To create pressure over a bleeding wound to control hemorrhage.
3. To provide immobilization of an injured part of the body.
4. To retain splints in place.

ASSESSMENT:
1. Assess skin condition for any wound, bleeding or swelling 
2. Assess respiration and signs of respiratory distress.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION:
1. Never apply the bandage directly over the wound.
2. Apply bandages firmly, not too tightly and and fasten securely.
3. Ensure flexibility of the joint when bandaging a joint except when immobilization
is necessary.
4. Start bandaging and end with two circular turns.
5. Stretch the bandage slightly.
6. End the bandage on the outer side of the body.  Make sure not to end a bandage
on wound or at the back of the body.
EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES:
1. Triangular cravat 4. Adhesive bandage
2. clean gauze/cotton bandage
3. crape bandage

IMPLEMENTATION:
Suggested Actions Rationale
1. Perform hand hygiene. Prevents cross contamination and
further spread of infection.
2. Prepare the materials needed.  Saves time and effort.
3. Identify the client by asking for the Confirms identity of client.
name or checking the identification
band.
4. Introduce yourself to the client.  Establishes rapport. 
5. Explain procedure to client. Alleviates the fear and gain
cooperation. 
6. Assess client’s status. Care is always individualized
according to a client’s needs.

Suggested Actions Rationale

 7. Place the victim in a comfortable Improves well-being.
position on bed or chair.  
8. Support the body part to be engaged.
9. Stand in front of the part to be
bandaged except when applying a
bandage to the head, eye and ear.
10. Make sure that the bandage is rolled
firmly and the body part to be
bandaged is clean and dry.
11. Assess the skin for any breakdown
before applying the bandage.
12. Observe circulation. Check the pulse, Allows assessment for circulation in the
skin color, surface temperature and affected area.
sensation of the injured body part.
13. Apply the bandage on the injured part,
from inner to outer aspect and far to
near end.
          Head Top This bandage is applied for head
injuries.
a. Fold the base at least 2-3”
b. Place middle or base of triangle so
that the edge is just above the
eyebrows. 
c. Pull back and cross-over at the back,
tucking apex beneath.
d. Pull both ends in front. Secure with a
square knot at the center of the
folded base. Tuck the ends.
e. Pull down apex, Turn sides neatly.
f. Tuck apex neatly at cross-over area.

Suggested Actions Rationale

      Cravat Bandage for This bandage is applied for forehead
      Forehead injuries.
a. Place the center of the cravat over the
compress covering the wound.
b. Carry the ends around to the opposite
side of the head, cross them. Bring
them back to the starting point and tie
them.
c. Knot or tie longer end with apex.
Cravat Bandage for Cheek, Jaw or Ears This bandage is applied for cheek, jaw or
ear injuries.
a. Use the wide cravat. Start with the
middle of the cravat over the compress
covering the cheek or the ear.
b. Carry one end over the top of the head
and the other under the chin.
c. Cross the ends at the opposite side.
d. Bring the short end back around the
forehead and the long end around the
back of the head.
e. Tie them down over the compress.
Cravat Bandage for the Eye This bandage is applied for eye
injuries.
a. Lay center of the first cravat over top
of head with the front end falling over
injured eye.
b. Bring second cravat around head, over
eyes, and over loose ends of first
cravat. Tie in front.

Suggested Actions Rationale

c. Bring ends of first cravat back over top
of head, tying there and pulling second
cravat up and away from uninjured
eye.
Chest Bandage This bandage is applied for chest
injuries.
a. Place apex at the shoulder of the
injured part.
b. Pull back folded base and secure with
square knot at the center indention of
the back.
c. Knot or tie longer end with apex.
Arm Sling This bandage is applied arm injuries.
a. Place folded base vertically over one
arm, with pointed directly under the
elbow of injured arm,
b. Lower ends of base at the side of the
neck using a square knot.
c. Make several twist with apex and tie a
 knot.
d. Hide the knot.
    Underarm Sling This bandage is applied for underarm
injuries.
a. Perform same procedure as arm sling
except that the lower end of the base
is tucked under the injured arm. 
b. Secure end of base and apex with a
square knot at the center indention at
the back.

Suggested Actions Rationale

Cravat Bandage for Elbow This bandage is applied for elbow
injuries.
a. Bend arm at elbow and place center of
cravat at point of elbow.
b. Bring ends up and across each other in
overlapping spiral turns.  Continue one
end up arm and the other end down
forearm.
a. Bring ends to front of elbow and tie.
Hand Bandage This bandage is applied for hand
injuries.
a. Place the hand in the middle of the
triangular bandage with the wrist at
the base.
b. Place the apex over the fingers and
tuck any excess material into the pleats
on each side of the hand
c. Cross the ends on top of the hand,
take them around the wrist, and tie
them with a square knot.
Cravat Bandage for the Knee This bandage is applied for knee
injuries.
a. Start on top of the knees.
b. Cross over and twist 2-3 times under
the knee.
c. Cross over on top/pull ends to
opposite sides.
d. Secure with a square knot under the
knee.
 Suggested Actions Rationale
Cravat for the Forearm, Arm, Leg and Thigh This bandage is applied for forearm,
arm, leg and thigh injuries.
Place center of cravat over the dressing.  10
Begin ascending turns with upper end and
descending turns with lower end, with each turn
covering two-thirds of preceding turn until
dressing is covered.
Terminate by tying both ends in square knot.
Place patient in a comfortable position
Perform hand hygiene.