Page 54 - Virtual Vascular

Chronic venous ulcers are usually nursed in the ulcer clinic as out-patients. Healing is
dependent on the dedicated efforts of the ulcer nurse and patient’s compliance with
treatment. The following example is the protocol of the multi-layer bandaging used in the
Queen Mary Hospital Surgical Wound Care Nurse Clinic.

1. The affected limb is cleaned with normal saline or antiseptics and moisturisers are
applied to the surrounding skin
2. Apply absorbent dressing (e.g. foam dressing, sometimes with silver)
3. Apply tubular gauze

4. Padding over bony prominence with cotton roll or combine pad
5. Compression bandage
• Short stretch bandage (e.g. Rosidal K) used in a spiral, interlock technique) The
short stretch bandage is a two-layered inelastic rigid bandage. It provides a
comparatively higher working pressure if patient is active and mobile.
• Long stretch bandage (e.g. Setopress). This is a single layer stretchable elastic
bandages with indicators printed on it, the markers allow the user to adjust the
correct tension.
6. Bandages are keep on for 2-3 days, and the frequency of bandage changes depends
on the level of exudate and patient’s tolerance.