Torso Dressing

Wrapping the torso involves the use of stretch gauze. This is a size 10 stretch gauze for the torso. It is being measured for this particular patient. To determine where the arms will be on the stretch gauze, it is placed on the patient in the area where the half moons are made it is determined. Half moons are then cut with scissors in the stretch gauze. When it is unfolded the half moons are at the exact same position. This is then placed over the patient, much like a undershirt. More stretch gauze is used for the arms. We are constructing a shirt. The stretch gauze for the arms and for the torso are secured with umbilical tape or dental floss. They can be tied in bow knots or square knots. The advantage of stretch gauze is that we do not have to place tape on the skin; this is especially important in elderly patients. These elderly patients have very thin skin and is easily torn if tape is applied. I’ve seen paper tape result in tares on some older patients. The use of stretch gauze prevents this. As you can see in this demonstration, the umbilical tape is taped around the entire arm. A close up view will demonstrate that any type of knot will be sufficient. This is a square knot. The excess umbilical tape is then trimmed. Using special burn dressing to cover a large area, the stretch gauze is removed and the special burn dressing is applied in any area that is burned. This can be done on the anterior surface or the posterior surface. As the patient moves throughout the day, adjustments can easily be made. The special burn dressing can also be cut out in such a way that it makes room for the neck and can be draped over the shoulders as seen here. Notice that the dressing is bulky, it can absorb any drainage and it can be adjusted at any time throughout the day. It is comfortable for the patients to use. This dressing can also be used on arms.