| When providing compression therapy, Elastic | | | | apparent discomfort from the previous bandage. If all |
| Bandages are the foundation of most treatments. In | | | | looks well, then proceed to the next step. |
| some cases, patients can be harmed if the care giver | | | | 6. Position yourself directly in front of the body part |
| is not knowledgeable on the best practices for insuring | | | | you are going to wrap. Also, it might be a good idea to |
| a successful application. However, if the person | | | | stabilize the area while wrapping unless the area is too |
| wrapping the bandage follows these principles, the | | | | sensitive. |
| application will yield a much better result. | | | | 7. After opening the elastic bandage from its |
| 1. Be sure you are using the right size. Investigate the | | | | protective casing, hold it so it faces upwards. Next |
| size of the sight where the bandage is to be applied. | | | | apply a slight pull as you take two turns around the |
| Using a bandage which is too large could be just as | | | | base of the limb. This helps to secure the bandage in |
| bad as using one too small. | | | | place and reduce the chances it falls off later. |
| 2. Wash hands thoroughly after selecting the right size | | | | 8. Continue rolling the bandage using the standard |
| of bandage to use. Also, if possible, wash the area | | | | "figure 8" wrapping technique applying towards the |
| where the bandage will go. It could be a long time the | | | | trunk of the limb. This tactic will evenly distribute the |
| bandage stays on, so cleanliness is important to | | | | pressure along the entire area the bandage covers. |
| protect from infection and skin irritation. | | | | 9. It is important to make sure the bandage provides |
| 3. Inform the patient as to what is going to happen to | | | | the right amount of pressure. No matter what, do not |
| reduce anxiety. You see, by explaining the procedure | | | | wrap the bandage too tight as this will cut off blood |
| the patient is much more receptive to the compression | | | | flow and cause even greater discomfort to the patient. |
| therapy treatment you will administer. | | | | 10. Continue all the way until the end of the roll is |
| 4. Adjust the patient as to expose the body part | | | | reached. This is where you may secure the end of the |
| which is to be treated. Make sure the patient is | | | | bandage with a veclro-style self closure, or perhaps |
| comfortable and stabilized to reduce the chances of | | | | use metal clips to hold the bandage in place. |
| causing more pain during the application of the | | | | A few other notes to keep in mind is making sure the |
| bandage. | | | | quality of the bandage is up to par. Try using a |
| 5. Prior to applying a new bandage it is very important | | | | bandage which is latex-free as this reduces allergies. |
| to also inspect the skin after you take off the old | | | | Be sure you have decent quantity on hand, as you |
| bandage. Be sure there are no signs of skin irritation or | | | | never know when you will run out. |