"Figure of eight" bandage is used in-

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

Explanation

The figure-of-eight bandage is the standard non-operative treatment for most clavicle fractures.
Its design pulls the shoulders back (retraction), which helps to align the broken fragments of the collarbone.
This immobilization technique provides support and stability, allowing the fracture to heal in a proper position.
It is particularly effective for fractures in the middle third of the clavicle, which are the most common type.

Option B: A tibia (shinbone) fracture is a fracture of a major weight-bearing bone in the lower leg. It requires much more rigid immobilization than a figure-of-eight bandage can provide.
Option C: A femur (thighbone) fracture is a severe injury requiring significant force. A simple bandage is completely inadequate for stabilization.
Option D: Carpal bones are the small bones in the wrist. A figure-of-eight bandage is not designed to effectively immobilize the wrist joint or individual carpal bones.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Application of specific bandaging techniques for orthopedic injuries as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing responsibility is to perform regular neurovascular checks on the arms and hands of a patient with a figure-of-eight bandage. This includes assessing for color, temperature, capillary refill, sensation, and motor function to detect any circulatory or nerve compression.
Patient education is crucial. The nurse must instruct the patient and family on how to care for the skin under the straps to prevent breakdown and how to check for signs of complications.
What if? If the patient reports numbness, tingling, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in their fingers, the bandage may be too tight and compromising neurovascular function. The nurse should immediately assess the area, loosen the straps as per protocol or policy, and notify the healthcare provider urgently.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of specific orthopedic treatments.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'Figure of eight' bandage.
Next, access your knowledge base about common bandaging techniques and their primary uses.
Mentally associate the 'figure of eight' pattern with the body part it's designed for. The looping motion around the shoulders to pull them back is characteristic of its use for the clavicle (collarbone).
Evaluate the options provided. Consider the type of immobilization required for each fracture type.
Eliminate options that require more rigid fixation (tibia, femur) or a different type of specific splinting (carpal), leaving the most plausible answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Application of specific bandaging techniques for orthopedic injuries.
Stem keywords: Figure of eight, bandage
Lead-in keywords: used in

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