When bandaging a limb, after wrapping, what should you check beyond the bandage?

• A. Circulation distal to the bandage
• B. The color of the rider's gloves
• C. The length of the bandage
• D. The color of the horse's coat

Answer: (A)

After wrapping a limb, the important thing to check is circulation beyond the bandage. You want to make sure the bandage isn’t so tight that it cuts off blood flow. Check that the skin beyond the wrap remains warm and normal in color, and you should be able to slip one finger under the bandage to feel for pressure and space. If the limb feels cold, looks pale or blue, or there’s numbness or swelling, loosen and re-wrap to restore proper circulation. The other details—glove color, how long the bandage is, or the horse’s coat color—don’t indicate how well circulation is being maintained.