A nurse is taught elastic bandaging of a fresh transtibial stump to prepare it for a prosthesis. Regarding the applied pressure, which statement is correct?
- A Pressure should be greatest proximally and least at the stump end
- B Pressure should be greatest at the distal end, decreasing towards the proximal thigh ✓
- C Pressure should be uniform throughout the bandage
- D Pressure should be applied only over the suture line
Correct answer: B. Pressure should be greatest at the distal end, decreasing towards the proximal thigh
Explanation
Stump bandaging uses graded compression, firmest over the distal end and progressively less proximally, applied in a figure-of-eight pattern. This reduces oedema and moulds the stump into a conical shape suitable for socket fit. Reverse or uniform pressure traps oedema at the stump tip, produces a bulbous end and delays prosthetic fitting, so options A and C describe exactly the error being warned against.
Reference: Maheshwari's Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.