Question

a nurse is caring for a client who has chronic venous insufficiency and a prescription for thigh - high compression stockings. which of the following actions should the nurse take?
a elevate the clients legs for 10 min, two to three times daily while wearing stockings.
b apply the stockings to the client in the morning upon awakening and before getting out of bed.
c roll the stockings down to the clients knees to relieve discomfort on the legs.
d remove the stockings while out of bed for 1 hr, four times a day, to allow the clients legs to rest.

Explanation:

• Option A: Elevating legs while wearing stockings is not the correct action. Compression stockings are meant to be worn continuously during the day (except when removed for inspection etc.). Elevating legs for short periods while wearing them is not a standard practice for this condition.
• Option B: Applying stockings in the morning upon awakening and before getting out of bed is correct. When a client is in bed (supine position), there is less venous pooling. Applying stockings at this time helps in proper fit and maximum effectiveness as it prevents the development of edema that can occur when the client gets out of bed and stands or sits (due to gravity - related venous pooling).
• Option C: Rolling stockings down to the knees is incorrect. Compression stockings are designed to provide graduated compression (greater at the ankle and gradually decreasing up the leg). Rolling them down disrupts the compression gradient and can cause more harm (like creating a tourniquet - like effect at the rolled - down area and reducing the therapeutic benefit).
• Option D: Removing stockings while out of bed for 1 hour four times a day is incorrect. Compression stockings are typically worn during the waking hours (unless there are signs of skin irritation etc. that require removal for inspection). Removing them frequently while out of bed (when venous pooling is more likely due to gravity) reduces their effectiveness in managing chronic venous insufficiency.

Answer:

B. Apply the stockings to the client in the morning upon awakening and before getting out of bed.