stocking
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stocking
[stok´ing]stocking
(stŏk′ĭng)stock·ing
(stok'ing)stocking
(stok′ing)Patient care
Health care professionals should consider the following as guiding principles for clinical practice in the use of graduated compression stockings in the management of patients: 1. Apply compression stockings before surgery (when possible).2. Follow manufacturer's recommendations to ensure correct fit.3. Document measurements and stocking size at initial use to serve as baseline measures for the patient.4. Review leg measurements regularly to avoid potential complications related to leg swelling.5. Be sure the patient’s legs and feet are dry before putting on stockings.6. Remove stockings at least once each shift for skin assessment, hygiene, and care.7. Provide more than one pair of hose in the correct size to allow for laundering if long-term use is planned.8. Check stocking periodically during wear to ensure correct placement and to be certain there is no bunching or other restriction that would impede perfusion.9. Assess neurovascular status regularly during skin care and at other times using the inspection hole in the foot of the compression stocking.10. Check patient sitting in a chair to be sure stockings do not compromise perfusion by acting as a tourniquet at the knee. 11. Teach patient and family the reason for using compression stockings, concerns for application and correct fit, care of the skin, and the importance of assessing for leg swelling. If the patient has difficulty putting on compression hose, suggest wearing rubber gloves to help grip the stockings. Warn the patient not to pull too hard, because this could rip the hose. Applying a lubricating silicone lotion to the leg before donning the stockings may help to reduce friction. Assistive devices are available to help with donning compression stockings. If stockings roll or slip down at the top, a roll-on adhesive designed for compression stockings can be applied to the leg to help resolve this problem. Advise the patient to replace stockings every 6 months. The patient should avoid standing or sitting for long periods, wearing constricting clothing (girdles, etc.), and crossing the legs. Legs and feet should be protected from injury and inspected daily.