other. Bandages should be applied evenly, firmly, butnot too tightly. Excessive pressure may causeinterference with the circulation and may lead todisastrous consequences. In bandaging an extremity, itis advisable to leave the fingers or toes exposed so thecirculation of these parts may be readily observed. It islikewise safer to apply a large number of turns of abandage, rather than to depend upon a few turnsapplied too firmly to secure a compress.In applying a wet bandage, or one that may becomewet, you must allow for shrinkage. The turns of abandage should completely cover the skin, as anyuncovered areas of skin may become pinched betweenthe turns, with resulting discomfort. In bandaging anyextremity, it is advisable to include the whole member(arm or leg, excepting the fingers or toes) so thatuniform pressure may be maintained throughout. It isalso desirable in bandaging a limb that the part isplaced in the position it will occupy when the dressingis finally completed, as variations in the flexion andextension of the part will cause changes in the pressureof certain parts of the bandage.The initial turns of a bandage on an extremity(including spica bandages of the hip and shoulder)should be applied securely, and, when possible, aroundthe part of the limb that has the smallest circumference.Thus, in bandaging the arm or hand, the initial turns areusually applied around the wrist, and in bandaging theleg or foot, the initial turns are applied immediatelyabove the ankle.The final turns of a completed bandage are usuallysecured in the same manner as the initial turns, byemploying two or more overlying circular turns. Asboth edges of the final circular turns are exposed, theyshould be folded under to present a neat, cufflikeappearance. The terminal end of the completedbandage is turned under and secured to the final turnsby either a safety pin or adhesive tape. When these arenot available, the end of the bandage may be splitlengthwise for several inches, and the two resultingtails may be secured around the part by tying.ROLLER BANDAGE FOR ELBOW.—A spicaor figure-eight type of bandage is used around theelbow joint to retain a compress in the elbow regionand to allow a certain amount of movement. Flex theelbow slightly (if you can do so without causing furtherpain or injury), or anchor a 2- or 3-inch bandage abovethe elbow and encircle the forearm below the elbowwith a circular turn. Continue the bandage upwardacross the hollow of the elbow to the starting point.Make another circular turn around the upper arm, carryit downward, repeating the figure-eight procedure, andgradually ascend the arm. Overlap each previous turnabout two-thirds of the width of the bandage. Securethe bandage with two circular turns above the elbow,and tie. To secure a dressing on the tip of the elbow,reverse the procedure and cross the bandage in the back(fig. 3–4).3-4Figure 3–2.—Roller bandages.Figure 3–3.—Applying a roller bandage.
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