Stockings are used after a surgical procedure to?

PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Explanation

The primary purpose of post-operative stockings is to promote venous return to the heart.
They apply graduated pressure, which is highest at the ankle and decreases up the leg.
This pressure increases the velocity of blood flow in the deep veins of the legs.
By preventing venous stasis (pooling of blood), the stockings significantly reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a common and dangerous post-surgical complication.

Option A: While compression therapy is used to manage symptoms of existing varicose veins, the primary goal in the acute post-operative period is preventing life-threatening blood clots (DVT), not managing a chronic venous condition.
Option B: Muscular atrophy (muscle wasting) is prevented by active muscle use and contraction. Stockings are a passive device and do not stimulate muscle activity.
Option C: Joint mobility is maintained by moving the joints through their range of motion. Stockings do not facilitate joint movement and can actually slightly restrict it.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Post-operative DVT prophylaxis using mechanical compression as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in DVT prevention by ensuring correct measurement, application, and regular assessment of patients using anti-embolism stockings.
A critical nursing responsibility is to monitor for signs of DVT (e.g., unilateral calf pain, swelling, warmth, redness) and to recognize that sudden shortness of breath or chest pain could signify a pulmonary embolism (PE), requiring immediate emergency response.
What if? If the patient also has severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD), applying compression stockings is contraindicated. The external pressure could further impede already compromised arterial blood flow, leading to tissue ischemia and potential limb loss.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question: the use of stockings after surgery.
Next, analyze the clinical context: 'after a surgical procedure'. This immediately brings to mind the risks associated with post-operative immobility.
Evaluate the options based on the most significant and immediate risks of immobility. The foremost circulatory risk is venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes DVT.
Option D directly addresses the prevention of DVT by promoting venous return, which is the primary mechanism of action for these stockings.
Consider the other options. Preventing varicose veins (A), muscle atrophy (B), and contractures (C) are not the primary, acute goals of post-operative stockings. These issues are managed with different interventions (long-term vein care, exercise, and range of motion, respectively).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Post-operative DVT prophylaxis using mechanical compression.
Stem keywords: stockings, surgical procedure
Lead-in keywords: purpose
Clinical cues: The context 'after a surgical procedure' is critical, as it points to the risk of immobility-related complications, primarily deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

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