Applying a Figure Eight Bandage

Goal: The bandage is applied correctly without injury or complications.

1. Review the medical record and nursing plan of care to determine the need for a figure-eight bandage.

2. Perform hand hygiene. Put on PPE, as indicated.

3. Identify the patient. Explain the procedure to the patient.

4. Close curtains around bed and close the door to the room, if possible. Place the bed at an appropriate and comfortable working height, usually elbow height of the caregiver (VISN 8 Patient Safety Center, 2009).

5. Assist the patient to a comfortable position, with the affected body part in a normal functioning position.

6. Hold the bandage roll with the roll facing upward in one hand while holding the free end of the roll in the other hand. Make sure to hold the bandage roll so it is close to the affected body part.

7. Wrap the bandage around the limb twice, below the joint, to anchor it.

8. Use alternating ascending and descending turns to form a figure eight. Overlap each turn of the bandage by one-half to two-thirds the width of the strip.

9. Unroll the bandage as you wrap, not before wrapping.

10. Wrap firmly, but not tightly. Assess the patient’s comfort as you wrap. If the patient reports tingling, itching, numbness, or pain, loosen the bandage.

11. After the area is covered, wrap the bandage around the limb twice, above the joint, to anchor it. Secure the end of the bandage with tape, pins, or self-closures. Avoid metal clips.

12. Place the bed in the lowest position, with the side rails up. Make sure the call bell and other necessary items are within easy reach.

13. Remove PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.

14. Elevate the wrapped extremity for 15 to 30 minutes after application of the bandage.

15. Assess the distal circulation after the bandage is in place.

16. Lift the distal end of the bandage and assess the skin for color, temperature, and integrity. Assess for pain and perform a neurovascular assessment of the affected extremity after applying the bandage and at least every 4 hours, or per facility policy.

17. Perform hand hygiene.