External Compression

  1. What is external compression?
    when you apply a mechanical force to outside of body to decrease pressure and edema
  2. What is the accumulation of excess fluids in the spaces between the cells of tissues (interstitial space)?
    edema
  3. What are some possible problems of fluid balance?
    • edema
    • vascular insufficiency
    • deep vein thrombosis
  4. What are some ways to prevent or relieve edema?
    • external compression
    • exercise
    • masage (retrograde, lymphatic manipulation)
    • taping
    • ted hose
    • cryotherapy
    • elevation
  5. What are some causes of edema?
    • inadequate/obstructive blood vessels (removal of lymph nodes, natural collapse of lymp vessels)
    • leg ulcers
    • venous stasis (from increased capillary pressure and venous obstruction
    • injury
    • malnutrition
    • toxins
    • organ failure (heart, liver, kidney)
    • dermatitis
    • varicose veins
    • post-op phlebitis
    • chronic and acute venous insufficiency
    • inproperly fitting casts
  6. What causes localized edema?
    venous/lymphatic obstruction or increased vascular permeability (from trauma) or trauma and infection

    usually limited to one part of body but can be bilateral
  7. What causes generalized edema?
    systemic process occuring with chronic illnesses such as advanced cardiac problems, kidney failure, or liver disease

    both LE usually involved with groin and abdominal areas but can be whole body
  8. What type of edema do PTs deal with?
    localized
  9. What is pitting edema?
    push for 5 seconds over bony prominences..if stays in its pitting
  10. What is an intermittent compression unit?
    pneumatic unit designed to apply external pressure to an edematous body part. it moves interstitual fluid to sites of normal lymphatic or venous drainage. pressure should be higher distally
  11. What is it called when you massage one area into the lymph return, then the next and the next?
    empty the bucket
  12. What type of intermittent compression unit fills up separate chambers?
    sequential
  13. What are some indications for external compression?
    • post-mastectomy lymphedema
    • venous insufficiency
    • amputations
    • traumatic edema
  14. What are some contraindications?
    • pts with arterial insufficiency have increased peripheral resistance (compression will increase resistance)
    • infection at tx site
    • DVT
    • edema in patients with cardiac dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, liver dysfunction
    • obstructed lymphatic channels
    • cancer
  15. What are the parameters for UEs?
    30-60mmHg
  16. What are the parameters for LEs?
    40-80mmHg
  17. What should you document after treatment?
    • postion
    • pressure
    • time
    • circumference/appearance pre/post
    • tolerance
    • home instructions
  18. When should you measure for support garments?
    first thing in morning or right after tx
Author
jpowell22
ID
140396
Card Set
External Compression
Description
maureen lecture
Updated