A patient is to have a sequential compression device (SCD) applied on the postoperative unit. The patient is wearing knee-high elastic (antiembolism) stockings. When applying the SCD, what should the nurse do?
a. Remove the antiembolism stockings and not replace them.
b. Replace the knee-high stockings with thigh-high stockings.
c. Notify the surgeon that the patient is wearing antiembolism stockings.
d. Apply the SCD over the knee-high antiembolism stockings.
D
If elastic stockings have been ordered with the sequential compression device, leave them in place; if the patient is not yet wearing them, obtain them and put them on the patient. Knee-high stockings do not need to be replaced with thigh-high stockings. Some research has shown knee-high stockings to be equally effective. There is no need to notify the surgeon, as patients commonly return from surgery wearing antiembolism stockings, as prescribed.
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