1. Compression Stockings and Pressure Ulcers: Case Series of a Neglected Issue
- Author
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Omer J Khan, Farooq Azam Rathore, and Faria Ahmad
- Subjects
bed sore ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Nursing staff ,Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation ,complications ,pressure sore ,Pressure sores ,Deep vein ,medicine.medical_treatment ,wound ,skin care ,Compression stockings ,Dermatology ,deep vein thrombosis ,030207 dermatology & venereal diseases ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,medicine ,critical illness ,In patient ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Intensive care medicine ,Skin care ,pressure ulcer ,business.industry ,General Engineering ,Plastic Surgery ,medicine.disease ,Thrombosis ,Surgery ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Critical illness ,pressure points ,business ,compression stocking - Abstract
Pressure ulcers develop in patients who endure long periods of immobilization, often caused by conditions such as musculoskeletal and neurological diseases. Pressure ulcers adversely affect the patient and increase caregiver burden and healthcare costs. Typical sites for these ulcers include the sacrum, trochanters, and heels; they also occur on the nape of the neck, penis, nostrils, helix of the ear, and upper back. Compression stockings are commonly used to prevent and stop the progression of venous disorders, including deep vein thrombosis, but their role in the development of pressure ulcers is not well known. We describe three case reports of pressure ulcer development due to prolonged application of compression stockings. In each case, the nursing staff who were primarily responsible for the prevention of pressure ulcers applied the stockings continuously without any intermittent relief. Moreover, the stockings did not include manufacturer instructions, such as recommended exposure times and applications. We recommend that nursing staff be trained in pressure relief and prevention of pressure ulcers, including rare occurrences, and that manufacturers give detailed guidance regarding the safe use of compression stockings.
- Published
- 2017