Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills: A Nursing Process Approach

201

Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills:
A Nursing Process Approach, 3rd edition

Name Date

Unit Position

Instructor/Evaluator: Position

SKILL 9-12

Applying Pneumatic Compression Devices

Goal:The patient maintains adequate circulation in extremities

and is free from symptoms of neurovascular compromise. Comments

1. Review the medical record and nursing plan of care for
   conditions that may contraindicate the use of the PCD.


2. Perform hand hygiene. Put on PPE, as indicated.


3. Identify the patient. Explain the procedure to the patient.


4. Close curtains around bed and close the door to the room,
   if possible. Place the bed at an appropriate and comfortable
   working height, usually elbow height of the caregiver (VISN
   8 Patient Safety Center, 2009).


5. Hang the compression pump on the foot of the bed and
   plug it into an electrical outlet. Attach the connecting
   tubing to the pump.


6. Remove the compression sleeves from the package and
   unfold them. Lay the unfolded sleeves on the bed with the
   cotton lining facing up. Note the markings indicating the
   correct placement for the ankle and popliteal areas.


7. Apply antiembolism stockings, if ordered. Place a sleeve
   under the patient’s leg with the tubing toward the heel.
   Each one fits either leg. For total leg sleeves, place the
   behind-the-knee opening at the popliteal space to prevent
   pressure there. For knee-high sleeves, make sure the back
   of the ankle is over the ankle marking.


8. Wrap the sleeve snugly around the patient’s leg so that two
   fingers fit between the leg and the sleeve. Secure the sleeve
   with the Velcro fasteners. Repeat for the second leg, if
   bilateral therapy is ordered. Connect each sleeve to the
   tubing, following manufacturer’s recommendations.


9. Set the pump to the prescribed maximal pressure (usually
   35 to 55 mm Hg). Make sure the tubing is free from kinks.
   Check that the patient can move about without interrupt-
   ing the airflow. Turn on the pump. Initiate cooling setting,
   if available.
   10.Observe the patient and the device during the first cycle.
   Check the audible alarms. Check the sleeves and pump at
   least once per shift or per facility policy.

Copyright © 2011 by Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills:

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