Respiratory and circulatory complications can happen. Older persons’ respiratory muscles are weaker and their lung tissue is less elastic. So they are at risk for respiratory complications.
Older persons are also at risk for thrombi (or blood clots). Blood is pumped with less force and makes the blood circulation sluggish. If the blood flow is sluggish, blood clots may form.
Using elastic stockings (TED [Thrombo-Embolus Deterrent] stockings / anti-embolism stockings / compression stockings) stimulate the circulation and thrombi may be prevented.
Nursing Assistant Skill Scenario: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Our nursing assistant online class teacher has assigned us the following skill scenario. . .
Mr. Smith has been admitted to the rehab unit after surgery for a right hip replacement. The nurse gives you a pair of thigh high TEDs to put on him. When you come into the room, Mr. Smith is complaining of shortness of breath and chest pain.
1. What post-op complication is Mr. Smith showing symptoms of and what should your response be?
2. What are symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) that may have been observed in Mr. Smith’s right leg earlier in the day?
3.How can wearing thigh high TEDs help Mr. Smith?
Response and Scenario Discussion
Here are my responses to the scenario. . .
1. What post-op complication is Mr. Smith showing symptoms of and what should your response be?
Mr. Smith post-op complication is showing symptoms of pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism occurs when the blood clot breaks loose, and travel to the lungs (or heart – cardiac embolism) through the blood stream and then blocks some or all of the blood supply.
My response to the situation – I will report Mr. Smith’s condition right away to the nurse that Mr. Smith is complaining of shortness of breath and chest pain.
2. What are symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) that may have been observed in Mr. Smith’s right leg earlier in the day?
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) symptoms can include:
- Swelling in one or both legs
- Pain or tenderness in your leg, ankle, foot, or arm. It might feel like a cramp or charley horse that you can’t get rid of. Leg and foot pain might only happen when you stand or walk.
- Warm skin on your leg
- Red or discolored skin on your leg
- Veins that are swollen, red, hard, or tender to the touch that you can see.
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs or thighs. DVT sometimes affects the arm or other veins.
Blood clots originating in the thigh are more likely to break off and travel to the lungs than blood clots in the lower leg or other parts of the body.
3. How can wearing thigh high TEDs help Mr. Smith?
TEDs (Thrombo-Embolus Deterrent) stockings are also called anti-embolic stockings or compression stockings. These stockings help prevent swelling and blood clots and also stimulates circulation. They promote blood circulation by gently squeezing the legs to increase blood flow.
