Final answer:
A Nursing Assistant should observe for increased redness, swelling, pain, a feeling of coldness, blue-tinted skin, and numbness or tingling as signs of poor circulation when an elastic bandage is applied.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an NA (Nursing Assistant) applies an elastic bandage, it is important to observe for signs of poor circulation. Six signs of poor circulation to look out for include:
Increased redness, which may indicate the bandage is too tight or an allergic reaction.
Swelling in the area where the bandage has been applied, which can point to insufficient blood flow.
Pain or increased discomfort, potentially caused by the bandage impeding circulation.
A feeling of coldness in the extremity being bandaged, suggesting reduced blood flow.
Pale or blue-tinted skin, which could be a sign of decreased oxygenation to the area.
Numbness or tingling, which may indicate nerve compression or loss of circulation.
These symptoms can also be relevant to conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD), where circulation is compromised. Therefore, it's crucial for NAs to monitor these signs closely to prevent potential complications.