Elastic stocking

What observations should the nursing assistant report and record?

- complaints of pain, tingling, or numbness - skin tears, wounds, or sign of skin breakdown - skin color and temperature - leg and foot swelling - the size and length applied

When are elastic stockings removed?

- every 8 hours for thirty minutes throughout the day - at bedtime

Whose at risk of developing a blood clot?

- persons with heart and circulatory disorders -individuals on bedrest - older persons - pregnant persons

Measures to prevent circulatory ulcers include:

- reposition at least every two hours - avoid tight clothing - avoid massaging over pressure points - keep linens clean, dry and wrinkle-free

What information is needed prior to ted stocking application?

- the size (small, medium, large or extra-large) - the length (thigh-high or knee-high)

thrombus

a blood clot

embolus

a blood clot that travels through the vascular system until it lodges in a blood vessel

How do twists in elastic stockings affect the patient?

affects the patient's circulation

When do you apply stockings?

prior to the patient getting out of bed

What does creases and wrinkles in elastic stocking cause?

skin breakdown

elastic stocking toe opening

used to check circulation, skin color, and skin temperature of the toes

pulmonary embolism

an embolus from a vein lodges in the lungs

Loose stockings

do not promote venous blood return to the heart

How do you care for elastic stockings?

hand wash with a mild soap and hang to air dry