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

199

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

Name Date

Unit Position

Instructor/Evaluator: Position

SKILL 9-11

Applying and Removing Antiembolism Stockings

Goal:The stockings are applied and removed with minimal

discomfort to the patient. Comments

1. Review the medical record and medical orders to determine
   the need for antiembolism stockings.


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


3. Identify the patient. Explain what you are going to do and
   the rationale for use of elastic stockings.


4. Close curtains around bed and close the door to the room,
   if possible.


5. Adjust the bed to a comfortable working height, usually
   elbow height of the caregiver (VISN 8 Patient Safety
   Center, 2009).


6. Assist patient to supine position. If patient has been sitting
   or walking, have him or her lie down with legs and feet well
   elevated for at least 15 minutes before applying stockings.


7. Expose legs one at a time. Wash and dry legs, if necessary.
   Powder the leg lightly unless patient has a breathing prob-
   lem, dry skin, or sensitivity to the powder. If the skin is
   dry, a lotion may be used. Powders and lotions are not
   recommended by some manufacturers; check the package
   material for manufacturer specifications.


8. Stand at the foot of the bed. Place hand inside stocking
   and grasp heel area securely. Turn stocking inside-out to
   the heel area, leaving the foot inside the stocking leg.


9. With the heel pocket down, ease the stocking foot over the
   foot and heel. Check that patient’s heel is centered in heel
   pocket of stocking.


10. Using your fingers and thumbs, carefully grasp edge of
    stocking and pull it up smoothly over ankle and calf,
    toward the knee. Make sure it is distributed evenly.


11. Pull forward slightly on toe section. If the stocking has a
    toe window, make sure it is properly positioned. Adjust if
    necessary to ensure material is smooth.


12. If the stockings are knee-length, make sure each stocking
    top is 1 to 2 inches below the patella. Make sure the stock-
    ing does not roll down.

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

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