Question

1. What is the purpose of TEDs?

2. Describe what assessment and care you provide and when?

3. Describe how you measure for knee and thigh high TEDs?

Answer 1

TEDs will prescribe to patients who are non-ambulatory. For these patients, the risk of a blood clot developing  in their legs is a main problem, as clots can break free and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.It helps to reduce this risk by administering pressure on the lower part of the leg and feet with the most compression occurring at the calf muscle.Patients may wear TED for up to three weeks,upto which time they are mobile once again or have been prescribed a different treatment to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Allow the patient to lie down and prop the legs on pillows at least 15 minutes before putting ted.Apply a small amount of powder on ankles to help ease the stockings onto legs.Pull the stocking over foot.Check patient toes for color or temperature changes at least every 4 hours during the day. Remove the stockings if you notice any changes in toes.Make sure the stockings stay smooth and in place. Do not let them roll down at the top. Do not let them wrinkle. Wrinkles under the toes can stop blood flow to legs and feet. Wrinkles along the leg can create pressure that damages the skin.Notice the patient if toes swell, feel cold, and look blue, or if the patient cannot move the legs.if any leg cramps or pain.

For knee measurements.

• Measure around ankle (circumference). Place the measuring tape at the narrowest part of the ankle, above the ankle bone.
• Find the widest part of calf. Measure the circumference of calf.
• Sit on a chair with legs at a 90-degree angle. Measure the distance from the bend in knee to the floor.

For high thigh measurements.

• Measure around ankle ( circumference). Place the measuring tape at the narrowest part of the ankle, above the ankle bone.
• Find the widest part of calf. Measure the circumference of calf.
• Find the widest part of thigh - right under buttocks. Measure the circumference of this part of thigh.
• Measure the distance from the bottom of buttocks to the floor.