An older patient is prescribed elastic graduated compression stockings. What should the nurse instruct the patient about these stockings?
1. Wear the stockings continuously, except when showering.
2. Expect areas of skin breakdown under the stockings.
3. Wear the stockings primarily while sleeping.
4. Remove the stockings once per day and while sleeping.
Correct Answer: 4
Elastic compression stockings compress the veins, promoting venous return from the lower extremities. Because elastic stockings inhibit blood flow through small superficial vessels, they should be removed at least once each day for at least 30 minutes. Skin breakdown is not anticipated with wearing the stockings and would need to be reported to the physician. They do not need to be removed to sleep.
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