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O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 5
I D E A S T H A T W O R K
T
he intraopera-
tive use of
mechanical
compression can help
prevent deep vein
thrombosis and other
circulatory hazards, but
if it's not used properly,
it can end up damaging
patients' skin. Take the
following precautions
to prevent the possibili-
ty of pressure injuries.
• Size matters. Make
sure the sequential
compression device
sleeves you're applying
fit properly by sizing up
your patients' lower
extremities with a tape
measure. There should
be 2 finger-widths of space at the top and bottom of the sleeve.
Keeping in mind the potential for intraoperative edema, post-op nurs-
es should consider re-measuring the legs after surgery.
• Apply while they're awake. SCD sleeves should be on the patient and
the pump should be operational before the induction of anesthesia, so
the patient will be able to warn you of any pain or discomfort it may
cause.
U N D E R P R E S S U R E
3 Tips to Use Compression Devices Safely
z SLEEVES SQUEEZE A few precautions can prevent
mechanical circulation aids from harming patients' skin.