Compression Flashcards
compression is defined as
a mechanical force that increases external pressure on the body or a body part
what is the most common form of compression
intermittent pneumatic compression
what is often used with compression
ice
elevation
compression bandaging is considered _____, and it comes in what forms
static
short, medium and long stretch
indications for compression
edema
venous stasis ulcers
stump reduction
DVT prevention
wound healing
explain the indication of DVT prevention
if there is an active DVT, do not compress –> could dislodge a clot
explain the science behind the indication of edema
increase extracellular hydrostatic pressure
what forms of edema can compression be used for
traumatic
lymphedema
chronic
explain the cause of edema
increased fluid in interstitial space due to circulatory/lymphatic system dysfunction
what is phlebitis? what can it lead to
scarred/fibrotic vein walls and valves
— edema
effects of edema include
limit joint ROM / mobility
limit function
pain
can become fibrotic and scarred
can form contractures/deformities
can become infected
reduce tissue oxygenation / obstruct arterial circulation
risk factors for DVT
old age
trauma/surgery
immobilization / paralysis
cancer
venous catheterization
previous DVT / superficial thrombosis
varicose vein
pregnancy / oral contraceptives / hormone therapy
how can compression therapy help modify scar tissue formation
will maintain heat in an area, allow for collagenase to remain active and break down collagen
when is compression not indicated for edema
cardiac origin of edema
what does intermittent compression mimic / hope to stimulate
muscle pumping effect
what is the most effective form of compression for edema control
intermittent
what form of compression is most effective for DVT prevention
intermittent
what form of compression is most effective for venous stasis ulcer treatment
multilayered compression
higher pressure = more effective
what form of compression is most effective in the treatment of abnormal scar tissue formation
static and intermittent
– intermittent is best
explain hydrostatic pressure in UE and LE
LE > UE
– greater chance for edema to form in legs
explain positioning and the effectiveness of compression
if body part is in dependent position, below heart
–> more hydrostatic pressure, compression is less effective
what should compression forces not exceed? why?
diastolic pressures
– could cause arterial blockage
explain static compression and its effectiveness in treating edema
will not reverse it, rather limit further formation
contraindications for compression
infection in treatment area
- systemic or cutaneous
active DVT
acute pulmonary edema
CHF
fx in area
arterial disease / occlusion or revascularization
obstructed lymphatic/venous return
precautions for compression
impaired sensation / mentation
uncontrolled HTN
cancer
CVA / insufficiency
superficial peripheral nerve
explain compression’s effect on uncontrolled HTN (same for CVA or arterial insufficiency)
increase BP by increasing vascular fluid
fluid changes in blood could alter blood flow throughout the body
what form of compression can be used immediately after trauma
static rather than intermittent
explian the adverse effects of compression
hypoxia / ischemia
aggravation of conditions that are causing the existing edema
physiological effects of compression
increased blood flow / lymph flow
decrease interstitial edema
increase tissue oxygenation
if using multi-chamber compression, what is important to consider
more pressure distally, less proximally
what is resting pressure
pressure exerted by the elastic when it is stretched
– irrespective of whether patient is moving or not
what is working pressure
pressure produced by active muscles pushing against inelastic bandage
– will only work when patient is moving / contracting muscles
what should inflation pressure never exceed
in the UE = 30-60 mmHg
LE = 40-80 mmHg
what is typical treatment time associated with intermittent pneumatic compression
30 min
- multiple times a day
potential complications associated with intermittent pneumatic compression
swelling moving to other areas
joint stiffness
numbness / tingling
shortness of breath
- due to pulmonary edema / CHF conditions increasing
explain the process of intermittent pneumatic compression application
baseline blood pressure for extremity being treated
apply layer between skin and compression
place extremity in position
GO
