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

2. 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

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

9. 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