Application and Charting

Purpose Treatment or Prevention Basic treatment for chronic venous disorders of the legs Improve circulation of legs and feet Prevent the formation of blood clots

Check Chart for Orders Client’s legs must be measured for individual fit Doctor order: Length (knee high or thigh high) Strength of compression varies Facility policy on who can apply hose Varies Follow the policy of your facililty Following Charting Rules following application

Application of Hose Client should be sitting with legs up or lying down while stockings are off Reapply before client stands or sits on side of bed Improper application can block circulation and cause tissue damage Remove 2 to 3 times a day (every 8 hours)

Care of Stockings Wash regularly Hand wash and air dry

Potential Problems Ideally Clients can apply hose themselves Elderly, weak, or arthritic cannot apply themselves Poor patient compliance (choose not to wear) Intolerance of sensation of compression (discomfort) Stockings vary with strength of compression High compression makes more difficult to put on

Aids to Application Silk inner sleeve covering for foot (use with toeless stockings and remove post application) Butler device (wire frame) Talc (powder)

Chart any Abnormalities Check hose at intervals (Check every 8 hours) Signs of Circulation Abnormal skin color Temperature Swelling Other abnormalities Change hose if soiled

Report or Record (Chart) Date Time Applied to Both, or left or right leg Unusual appearance of skin Swelling Signature and title

Patient Teaching For improved blood circulation... Do Not sit or stand in one place for extended periods of time. Do Not cross your legs while sitting. When sitting elevate your feet with a chair, stool or pillow. Exercise will help tone muscles and improve circulation. Always follow your physician's instructions.

Diseases treated with Elastic Stockings Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Superficial Thrombophlebitis varicose_veins

Preventative treatment is Elastic Stockings bosis/intro.htm bosis/intro.htm ism/intro.htm ism/intro.htm bophlebitis/intro.htm bophlebitis/intro.htm tm tm

Diseases treated with Elastic Stockings al_neuropathy/intro.htm al_neuropathy/intro.htm bophlebitis/intro.htm bophlebitis/intro.htm ro.htm ro.htm

Preventative treatment is Elastic Stockings deep_vein_thrombosis pulmonary_embolism superficial_thrombophlebitis thrombosis

Care of Hose Change Hose whenever they are soiled NOTE: STOCKINGS SHOULD BE WASHED IN MILD SOAP AND HUNG TO DRY PER CLIENT'S OR SUPERVISOR’S DIRECTION.

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