5.2.5 Changing Anti-Embolism Stockings

Clients who are less mobile are prone to clots in the legs. These clots can travel around the body, which can be very life threatening. Anti-embolism stockings, also called compression socks, are close fitting stocking worn to reduce the potential for swelling and blood clots in legs. Because they are tight to the legs, they can be difficult to put on and take off.

While assisting with the donning and doffing of these stockings it will be a smoother process if you use the utility gloves specifically for this product. If product-specific gloves are not available, vinyl gloves are a suitable substitute.

When a client is able to assist you by moving their leg as directed and offering counter-resistance, follow these instructions:

1. Turn the stocking tops down to the heel.
2. Put the foot of the stocking on the client’s foot to the heel.
3. Then pull the stocking up the leg until the material is taut, with no wrinkles.
4. Repeat with the other leg.

When a client is not able to assist you, either because they cannot follow directions or they are unable to move their legs, follow these instructions:

1. Stand at the foot of the bed, with the client’s feet in front of you.
2. Turn the stocking tops down to the heel.
3. Put the foot of the stocking on the client’s foot to the heel.
4. Then, move beside the bed to stand beside the client’s upper thigh on the same side where you are applying the stocking.
5. Pull the stocking up the leg until the material is taut, with no wrinkles.
6. Repeat with the other leg.

Here is a video clip (7:25-10:10) of a demonstrator applying anti-embolism stockings to a model client. This video effectively demonstrates how the stockings should fit on the leg. However, the presenter leans over the client, which is not good body mechanics, and is not recommended. Note, as well, that the model client assists the presenter quite a lot by pointing her toes, offering counter resistance, and bending her knee. In real-world practice, expect that your experience will be more challenging. The following video clip will begin at minute 7:25; please feel free to stop watching at minute 10:10.

Click here for a video transcript in .docx format: Video Transcript