Take the Immobilization Techniques Quiz

Study Notes

The fundamental principle of traditional bandage immobilization is to restrict movement and provide support to the injured area.

Elastic bandages are used to hold dressings on body parts such as arms, legs, chest, or abdomen.
Compression bandages are used to apply pressure to a specific area to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Spiral wrap bandages are used to provide support and compression to joints and extremities.

External fixators use devices outside the body to stabilize and hold broken bones in place.
Internal fixators use devices implanted inside the body to stabilize and hold broken bones in place.
The immobilization technique that uses wires, tractions, orthotics, cloves, plates, and needles is called skeletal traction.

External fixators are different from internal fixators in that they are used outside the body, whereas internal fixators are used inside the body.
The purpose of compression bandages is to apply pressure to reduce swelling, whereas spiral wrap bandages provide support and compression to joints and extremities.
A figure eight wrap is different from a spiral wrap in that it is used to provide support and compression to a specific joint or area, whereas a spiral wrap provides support and compression to a longer area, such as a limb.
The purpose of a circular bandage is to provide support and compression to a specific area, such as the torso or head.

The correct way to apply a spiral wrap bandage is to wrap it in a spiral motion, overlapping each layer by half, to provide even pressure and support.

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