Programs

Blog

Applying Elastic Support Hose

Written by Hollie Finders, RN
Hollie Finders is a registered nurse with years of experience working in the health care field. She has degrees in both biochemistry and nursing. After working with patients of all ages, Hollie now specializes in pediatric intensive care nursing. Hollie’s LinkedIn

Procedure for Applying an Elastic Support Hose

Equipment needed: elastic stockings.

  1. Perform hand hygiene.
  2. Explain the procedure to the patient and ask for his or her assistance in following directions.
  3. If the bed is adjustable, raise the bed to a comfortable working height.
  4. Assist the patient into a supine position.
  5. Expose the patient’s bare leg by removing any socks, shoes, or slippers.
  6. Turn the stocking inside out, down to the heel. To do this, slip the stocking onto your arm and grasp inside the heel pocket. With your other hand, turn the stocking inside out by pulling the stocking down your arm.
  7. Slip the foot into the stocking. Align the heel into the heel pocket and ensure the stocking is on straight. Smooth out any bumps before proceeding.
  8. Now, grab the inside-out portion of the stocking and begin pulling it over the foot, heel, and leg. The stocking will turn right side out as you pull it up the leg.
  9. Remove any wrinkles by smoothing out the stocking.
  10. Verify that the hose is on correctly and is not too tight or cutting off circulation.
  11. Repeat procedure on the other leg if necessary.
  12. Assist the patient back into a comfortable position.
  13. Perform hand hygiene.
  14. Document the procedure in the patient’s chart and report any changes in the patient’s condition to the nurse.

Important Information

Elastic stockings are worn to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and reduce the pooling of blood in vessels [1]. Many hospitals and care facilities use elastic stockings in patients with reduced mobility, such as surgical patients and/or the elderly. There are a few risks in wearing elastic stockings; however, these risks can be prevented with proper application and care.

First off, stockings should be the right size and shape for the person. Stockings that are too loose provide no benefit, whereas stockings that are too tight can cut off blood circulation, causing ischemia and increasing the risk for developing a DVT [1]. Second, stockings must be completely smooth, without folds or wrinkles. Folds and wrinkles may create a compressive band that can impede blood flow and result in patient injury [1].

Last, it is important to closely monitor patients wearing elastic stockings. Stocking should be worn for no longer than eight hours at a time, unless ordered otherwise. The stockings should be completely removed, and a nurse should assess the patient’s circulation. Nursing assistants should promptly notify the nurse if a patient complains of any numbness or tingling in the extremities.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1356208/

More Resources

Perineal Care of the Female Resident

Perineal care should be performed during a bath, after using the bedpan, and/or after incontinence. Proper technique is important for maintaining hygiene, preventing infection, and avoiding skin breakdown. Because of the close proximity between a woman’s urethra, vagina, and anus, it is essential to only wipe in a front to back motion. Wiping in the opposite direction is associated with a greater risk for developing a urinary tract infection.

Perineal Care of the Male Resident

Perineal care should be performed during a bath, after using the bedpan, and/or after incontinence. Special care should be used when performing perineal care on an uncircumcised male. Failure to retract and wash the area under the foreskin can result in infection. Failure to return the foreskin to its normal position can result in paraphimosis.

Dressing and Undressing a Patient

Patients who have suffered a stroke or have weakness or injury to one side of their body may struggle with dressing and undressing. In order to help these patients regain their strength and independence, it is important that the nurse’s aide only assist them as needed. The nurse’s aide may need to teach patients how to dress and undress safely with their limitations.

Sim’s Position

The position a patient is placed in is often ordered by the physician, or recommended by a speech, occupational, or physical therapist. The position dictates whether a patient is sitting, lying, standing; or if they are on their side, back, or prone (face-down). Positioning is also determined by the patient’s current needs, such as: Are they eating? Sleeping? Having surgery on their back? Are they receiving nutrition through a nasogastric tube?

Supine Position

Supine position is a natural and comfortable position for most people. For this reason, it is a highly utilized position for nursing procedures. Unfortunately, this position puts pressure on many bony prominences that can lead to discomfort and/or pressure ulcers if the pressure is not relieved every so often (typically every two hours or less).

Using a Gait / Transfer Belt to Assist the Resident to Ambulate

Walking (aka, ambulating) helps residents maintain mobility and independence, and prevents complications. However, ambulation must be done safely so that the resident does not have a fall or injury. A gait or transfer belt, when properly used, can increase resident safety. Gait belts can vary between facilities, so make sure you know how to use the one in your facility.

Find CNA Programs in Your State

Find LPN/LVN Programs in Your State

Find Medical Assisting Programs in Your State

Find RN Programs in Your State

Find MSN Programs in Your State

Find NP Programs in Your State

Find DNP Programs in Your State

Graduate-Level Concentrations