Compression

Question 1

What is the 1st layer of compression?

Answer 1

Padding layer: Protect the skin and absorbs exudate

Question 2

What is the 2nd layer of compression?

Answer 2

Light conforming bandage: Provides comfort and mild compression

Question 3

What is the 3rd layer of compression?

Answer 3

Compression bandage: Main compression

Question 4

What is the 4th layer of compression?

Answer 4

Cohesive bandage: Secure and provide extra support

Question 5

Compression therapy for CVD benefits and mechanism?

Answer 5

Encourage venous return, reduce venous hypertension, manage oedema and skin changes

Mechanism:
- Puts pressure on limb = supports calf muscle pump function and increase blood flow to the heart better

Question 6

Compression therapy for Lymphoedema & Gravitational oedema benefits?

Answer 6

Reduce and maintain limb volume, encourage lymph flow prevent fluid accumulation, prevent fibrotic tissue changes

Question 7

What should the pressure gradient be when putting on compressions?

Answer 7

Highest pressure should be at distal (ankle, lower arm/hand)
lowest pressure should be at proximal (thigh, upper arm)

Question 8

What is compression hosiery and suitability?

Answer 8

• Long term management and prevention for venous ulcers
• CVD

Question 9

What is multilayer bandaging and suitability?

Answer 9

4 layers of bandaging

• CVD: provide high pressure and active venous ulcer management
• Lymphoedema: for intensive phase (decongestive phase) of limb volume reduction before garment

Question 10

What is intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and suitability?

Answer 10

Device using inflatable cushions to providing pressure to limbs, for more severe cases.

• CVD: adjunctive therapy: severe oedema or struggle with normal compressions
• Lymphoedema: adjunctive therapy, severe lymphoedema

Question 11

What are compression garments and the 2 types? Suitability?

Answer 11

Off the shelf or custom fit garments

2 types:
- Flat-knit garment: for firmer compression and irregular limb shape
- Circular knit: for more elasticity and for early stage lymphoedema

• Lymphoedema

Question 12

Compression hosiery pressure levels?

Answer 12

• CVD

Levels:
Class 1: 14-21mmHg (mild compression)
Class 2: 23-32 mmHg (moderate compression)
Class 3: 34-46 mmHg (high compression)

Question 13

Compression garment pressure levels?

Answer 13

• Lymphoedema

Levels:
Class 1: 14-21mmHg (mild compression)
Class 2: 23-32 mmHg (moderate compression)
Class 3: 34-46 mmHg (high compression)
Class 4: >46 mmHg (very high)

Question 14

What is inelastic system compressions and suitability?

Answer 14

Short stretched bandages, provide high pressure while patient is active

• CVD and lympoedema

Question 15

why we do circumference?

Answer 15

Monitor the swelling and measure for bandaging/compression

Question 16

what is stemmer test and how we do it?

Answer 16

• To see if there’s any fluid retained. negative=no fluid or positive=fluid
• pinch the ring finger or index toe

Question 17

what is godet test and how we do it?

Answer 17

To see pitting or non-pitting, press skin for 20-30 second till your thumb goes white over the bone