An older patient is prescribed elastic graduated compression ...

[Bob-Dole]

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.

Question 2

The nurse calls a patient at home with the laboratory results from his visit of earlier in the day. Based on a review of these results, what does the nurse expect the healthcare provider to advise?
 
  1. Maintain the same daily dose of heparin.
  2. Maintain the same daily dose of warfarin (Coumadin).
  3. Increase the dose of warfarin (Coumadin) according to the previous instructions by the physician.
  4. Stop taking the warfarin (Coumadin) until the next clinic appointment.

[zenzy]

Answer to Question 1

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.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Prothrombin and INR tests are used to monitor the therapeutic effect of warfarin. Warfarin doses are adjusted to maintain the INR at 2.03.0; therefore, this patient should be told to maintain the same daily dose of medication. Heparin is monitored by the aPPT test.