Unit 7: Compressive Garments & Breathing Exercises Lesson 1: Binders

Lesson 1 – Binders Binders Hold dressings in place Increase circulation Reduce swelling Support muscles Promote comfort Binders Physicians may order a binder after surgery. A binder is a compressive garment that is applied to the abdomen, chest, or perineal area. Binders do the following: Hold dressings in place Increase circulation in order to prevent emboli Reduce swelling Support muscles Promote comfort

Lesson 1 – Binders Applying and Checking Binders Size Observations Health assistants may apply binders. Assistants must follow the patient’s care plan. Specifically, they need to know what length and size binder to use. Any of the following observations must be reported immediately: Sores, skin discoloration and swelling, and increased skin temperature Discomfort, pain, tingling, and numbness Difficulty breathing Binders must be changed if they become soiled, such as from wound drainage. Standard precautions must be followed when applying and checking binders.

Unit 7: Compressive Garments & Breathing Exercises Lesson 2: Assist with Breathing and Coughing

Lesson 2 – Assist with Breathing and Coughing Deep Breathing and Coughing Exercises Expand lungs Remove mucous Deep Breathing and Coughing Exercises Patients must deep breathe and cough every hour after surgery. Deep breathing and coughing exercises expand the lungs and remove mucous. As a result, they prevent respiratory problems, such as pneumonia.

Lesson 2 – Assist with Breathing and Coughing Assisting with Breathing and Coughing How often How many times Assisting with Breathing and Coughing Health assistants may assist patients with deep breathing and coughing exercises. Assistants must have the following information from the patient’s care plan: How often patients should do deep breathing and coughing exercises each day How many times patients should repeat the exercises Any of the following observations must be reported immediately: Fatigue Discomfort, pain, weakness, and dizziness Difficulty breathing Throat irritation Standard precautions must be followed when assisting with breathing and coughing exercises.

Unit 7: Compressive Garments & Breathing Exercises Lesson 3: Elasticized Stockings

Lesson 3 – Elasticized Stockings Prevent emboli Elasticized Stockings Physicians may order elasticized stockings after surgery. Elasticized stockings are compressive garments that are applied to the legs. They are also called surgical hose or anti-embolism hose. Elasticized stockings prevent circulatory problems, such as emboli. Elasticized stockings should always be applied when patients are lying down in bed. If elasticized stockings are applied when patients are sitting or standing, their legs may swell.

Lesson 3 – Elasticized Stockings Applying Elasticized Stockings Length Size Observations Applying Elasticized Stockings Health assistants may apply elasticized stockings. Assistants must follow the patient’s care plan. Specifically, they need to know what length and size elasticized stockings to use. Any of the following observations must be reported immediately: Sores, skin discoloration and swelling, and increased skin temperature Discomfort, pain, tingling, or numbness