How can you tell if a bandage is too tight?

A bandage is considered too tight if the area it is applied to becomes cold, pale, or shows delays in capillary refill. These signs indicate that the blood flow to the area is compromised, which can lead to tissue ischemia. When a bandage is too constrictive, it can impede circulation, causing the affected area to cool down and lose normal coloration. The capillary refill test involves pressing on the nail bed or skin and observing how quickly blood returns after releasing pressure; a delay suggests that blood is not adequately reaching the tissue. Monitoring these signs is crucial for assessing the effects of the bandage on peripheral circulation and preventing further complications.

Other options may reflect discomfort or issues related to the bandage, but they do not directly signal that circulation is being impaired as indicated by changes in temperature, color, or capillary refill.