Question

one hour after the nurse applies anelastic bandage to a patient's sprained ankle patient complains of tingling and burning in the toes. the nurse should

Answer 1

An elastic bandage can have a various positive effect when applied at the right time and the right place with the correct amount of pressure.

An elastic stocking can be placed for 18 to 24 hours to treat oedema and the sprain, also it can have a negative effect as well when not applied properly.

Amount of pressure is determined by the type of compression that is used to treat the sprain,

While choosing the bandage it is important to select the correct width, the number of layers needed to treat the sprain, also the amount of pressure it exerts.

Application of right bandage with the correct amount of pressure helps in reduction of swelling around the joint where injury has occurred.

There are certain signs which indicate that the bandage is not placed correctly or it is creating a lot of pressure which is not needed, putting the bandage in a wrong way can cause.

1. Swelling at the end side of the bandage.

2. It causes numbness.

3. The tingling sensation that can be felt by the client.

4. Skin discolouration.

5. It partially or completely cut off the circulation when it is too tight.

What should be done by​​​​ the Nurse?

The nurse should check the pedal pulse every hourly by the doppler or by the fingers to notice any vascular compromise.

To check the pedal pulse it is important to place the bandage keeping the fingers and the toes unwrapped, this will allow the nurse to examine any changes such as increased swelling, discolouration and the redness around the bandage area.

Also, if the patient complains of tingling and burning after one-hour application of the bandage, the nurse should check the pedal pulse first then stockings should be removed until the symptoms subsided,

Adjust the stocking throughout the day to check for any vascular compromise, discolouration and the swelling, numbness and the tingling sensation around the bandaged site.

If the tingling and burning sensation don't go away even after the removal of the bandage, the nurse would inform the physician.

Answer to this question will be

The Nurse will check the pedal pulse.

This is the only sign which indicates the vascular compromise.