Wound Care

124 Nurse to Nurse
Table 4–5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Compression Wraps
Advantages Disadvantages
Inexpensive Practice makes perfect
Readily available Uneven tension if not careful
Easily removed Telescoping or sliding down leg
Active participation of patient Patient or caregiver unable to reach
and caregiver toes to wrap from foot to knee
Requires patient or caregiver commitment
to wearing for benefits
• Paste bandage (Tables 4–6 and 4–7)
— Should be applied when the limb is without edema.
— As it dries the paste bandage resists additional swelling.
— Apply every 3 to 7 days but more frequently if heavy exudate
is not contained.
— MUST be changed immediately if the patient or caregiver
notices excessive exudate, foul odor, or severe pain.
Table 4–6 Indications and Contraindications of Paste Bandages
Indications Contraindications
Patient or caregiver unable to Patient or caregiver has poor
adhere to other treatments for personal hygiene
edema control
Patient or caregiver unable to ABI less than 0.8
wrap legs daily and
independently
Patient awaiting custom Frail, friable skin of lower extremity
compression garment for
interval edema control
Active cellulitus
Lower extremity infected wounds