Compression

Question 1

What are the effects of external compression?

Answer 1

1. Increase venous and lymph circulation
2. Increase tissue temperature
3. Limits the size and shape of tissues

Question 2

What are the indications for compression?

Answer 2

1. Edema
2. Prevention of DVTs
3. Treatment of Venous Stasis Ulcers
4. Residual shaping as a result of amputation
5. Control of hypertrophic scarring

Question 3

How does external compression change the pressure balance between the tissues and capillaries?

Answer 3

By increasing hydrostatic pressure of tissue

Question 4

What are the causes of edema?

Answer 4

1. Increase capillary permeability
2. Increase blood flow
3. Increase plasma volume due to salt intake
4. Venous obstruction or insufficiency
5. Lymphatic obstruction or insufficiency

Question 5

What pressure is utilized for controlling edema with compression stockings?

Answer 5

30-40 mmHg

Question 6

When utilizing compression what should the pressure not exceed?

Answer 6

Diastolic blood pressure

Question 7

The functionality of the lymphatic system is dependent on what?

Answer 7

1. Vessels, valves, nodes
2. Protein concentration
3. Muscle activity
4. Respiration
5. Pulsing blood flow

Question 8

What are the contraindications for external compression?

Answer 8

1. Heart failure, pulmonary edema
2. Recent acute DVT, PE, thrombophlebitis
3. Obstructed venous or lymphatic return
4. Severe arterial insufficiency/arterial revascularization
5. Acute trauma or fracture
6. Acute local skin infection
7. Significant hypoproteinemia (<2gm/dL)

Question 9

What are the cautions for external compression?

Answer 9

1. Impaired sensation and mentation
2. Uncontrolled hypertension
3. Cancer
4. Stroke
5. Superficial peripheral nerves

Question 10

What are the steps for treatment for pneumatic compression?

Answer 10

1. Rule out contras
2. Remove jewelry, clothing, cover open areas with gauze
3. Position with elevation and comfort
4. Measure BP
5. Measure circumference
6. Check sensation
7. Apply stockinette
8. Apply Sleeve
9. Attach hose
10. Set parameters
11. Elevate limb above heart
12. Instruct patient on what they should feel and do AROM when pressure is off
13. Re-measure after Rx
14. Inspect skin
15. Apply bandage or compressive garment
16. Document treatment

Question 11

What do you document for external compression?

Answer 11

1. Type of compression
2. Body part
3. Parameters
   
   1. pressure, on:off time, total time
4. Patient position
5. Pre and post measurements
   
   1. Circumference/BP
6. AROM