2. Dressings
• A dressing covers an open wound and
touches the wound.
• Dressings should be:
– Sterile
– Larger than the wound
– Thick, soft, and compressible
– Lint free
3. Dressings
• Purpose of a dressing:
– Control bleeding
– Prevent infection and contamination
– Absorb blood and drainage
– Protect wound
7. Applying a Sterile Dressing
• Wash hands and wear exam gloves.
• Use dressing large enough to extend
beyond edges of wound.
• Hold dressing by one corner and place
over wound.
• Cover with bandage.
8. Bandages
• Should be clean but need not be sterile
• Can be used to:
– Hold a dressing in place.
– Apply direct pressure.
– Prevent or reduce swelling.
– Provide support and stability for an extremity
or joint.
9. Bandages
• Signs that a bandage may be too tight:
– Blue tinge on fingernails or toenails
– Blue or pale skin color
– Tingling, loss of sensation
– Coldness of extremity
– Inability to move fingers or toes
– Pulse felt before bandaging, but not after