Nursing care of residual limbs and using elastic bandages

1. Skin care

To keep the skin of the stump in good condition, it is recommended to clean it every night.

1. Wash the skin of the residual limb with warm water and neutral soap, and rinse the residual limb thoroughly.

2. Do not soak the residual limbs in warm water for a long time to avoid edema caused by soap irritating the skin and softening the skin.

3. Thoroughly dry the skin and avoid rubbing and other factors that can irritate the skin.

2. Matters needing attention

1. Gently massage the residual limb several times a day to help reduce the sensitivity of the residual limb and increase the residual limb’s tolerance to pressure.

2. Avoid shaving the stump skin or using detergents and skin creams, which may irritate the skin and cause rashes.

3. An elastic bandage is wrapped around the end of the residual limb to reduce the residual limb and shape it to prepare for the fitting of a prosthesis. Use dry bandages and the stump should be dry. Elastic bandages should be used continuously for long periods of time, except when bathing, massaging stumps, or exercising.

1. When wrapping the elastic bandage, it should be wrapped obliquely.

2. Do not wind the end of the residual limb in one direction, which will easily cause skin wrinkles at the scar, but alternately cover the inner and outer sides for continuous winding.

3. The end of the residual limb should be packed as firmly as possible.

4. When wrapping in the direction of the thigh, the pressure of the bandage should be gradually reduced.

5. The wrapping of the bandage should extend above the knee joint, at least one circle above the kneecap. Return below the knee If the bandage remains, it should end obliquely over the end of the residual limb. Secure the bandage with tape and avoid pins. Rewind the stump every 3 to 4 hours. If the bandage slips or folds, it should be rewrap at any time.

Fourth, the treatment of elastic bandages, the use of clean elastic bandages can help prevent skin problems.

1. The elastic bandage should be cleaned after using for more than 48 hours. Hand wash elastic bandages with mild soap and warm water and rinse thoroughly with water. Do not twist the bandage too hard.

2. Spread the elastic bandage on a smooth surface to dry to avoid damage to the elasticity. Avoid direct heat radiation and sunlight exposure. Do not place in a desiccator, do not hang to dry.