What it means
Stockings that put graded pressure on the legs. They are used to lower the risk of blood clots in clients who are not moving much, such as after surgery, and to control swelling and aching from venous insufficiencyVEE-nus in-suh-FISH-en-seeA long-term condition in which the leg veins cannot carry blood back to the heart well.ven vein-ous relating toin- notFull entry . Anti-embolism stockings (often called TED hose) are a lighter kind used in hospitals for clients in bed.
For the nurse
Measure the legs to get the right size, put them on in the morning before swelling starts, and smooth out wrinkles and rolled tops, which can cut off circulation. Remove them daily to check the skin, as ordered.
At a glance
| Spanish | medias de compresión |
|---|---|
| Also written | compression stockings, anti-embolism stockings, antiembolism stockings, TED hose, TEDs |
Related terms
deep vein thrombosis
A blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the leg or pelvis.
sequential compression device
Inflatable leg sleeves that fill with air and squeeze the legs in turns to keep blood moving in the veins.
venous insufficiency
A long-term condition in which the leg veins cannot carry blood back to the heart well.