Compression

Question 1

Effects of External Compression

Answer 1

1. Improves venous and lymphatic circulation
2. Limits the shape and size of tissue
3. increases tissue temperature

Question 2

Indications for Compression

Answer 2

1. Edema Control
2. Prevention of DVT
3. Venous Stasis Ulcers

Question 3

How does compression reduce edema?

Answer 3

Increases extravascular hydrostatic pressure and promotes circulation

Question 4

Contraindications

Answer 4

1. Heart Failure
2. Pulmonary edema
3. Recent or acute DVT/thrombophlebitis/ pulmonary embolism
4. Obstructed lymphatic or venous return
5. Severe peripheral artery disease
6. Acute local skin infection
7. Hypoproteinemia (

Question 5

Precautions

Answer 5

1. Impaired sensation/mentation
2. Uncontrolled hypertension
3. Cancer
4. Stroke or cerebrovascular insufficiency
5. Superficial peripheral nerves

Question 6

Adverse Effects

Answer 6

1. Aggravating a conditions that causes edema

2. Impairing circulation with excessive pressure

Question 7

Application Techniques

Answer 7

1. Compression bandages
2. Compression garments
3. Velcro-closure devices
4. Intermittent pneumatic pumps

Question 8

Parameters for intermittent pneumatic pumps

Answer 8

1. Inflation Time
2. Inflation Pressure
3. Treatment time

Question 9

Inflation Time for pneumatic pumps

Answer 9

DVT Prevention – 80-100 seconds with a deflation time of 25-50 seconds
Residual limb reduction – 40-60 seconds with deflation time of 10-15 seconds
Usually inflation to deflation ratio is 3:1

Question 10

Inflation Pressure for pneumatic pumps

Answer 10

Generally between 30 and 80 mmHg
For upper extremities – 30-60 mmHg
For lower extremities – 40-80 mmHg

Question 11

Treatment Time for pneumatic Pumps

Answer 11

1-4 hours per treatment 3 to 4 times per day

Question 12

Types of compression bandages

Answer 12

1. Short stretch
2. Long Stretch
3. Multilayer

Question 13

Long-stretch Bandage

Answer 13

Elastic bandage that extends by 100-200% and provides high resting pressure

Question 14

Short-stretch bandage

Answer 14

Low elasticity bandage with 30-90% extension that provides low resting pressure but a high working pressure during muscle activity
Most useful during exercise

Question 15

Multilayered Bandage

Answer 15

Use of both elastic and inelastic layers to apply moderate to high resting pressure through multiple layers of bandages

Question 16

How does compression prevent DVT?

Answer 16

Increases circulation, DVT is caused by reduced circulation

Question 17

How does compression improve venous stasis ulcers?

Answer 17

Improves circulation

Improves rate of healing through multilayered compression and high pressure

Question 18

Documentation

Answer 18

1. Type of compression
2. Area of body where compression is applied
3. Patient position
4. Inflation and deflation times
5. Compression or inflation pressure
6. Treatment duration
7. Response to intervention