What it means
A pump inflates the sleeves in a cycle, pushing blood up out of the legs. They help prevent deep vein thrombosisDEEP VAYN throm-BOH-sisA blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the leg or pelvis.thromb/o clot-osis conditionFull entry in clients who are on bed rest, after surgery or otherwise not moving much. They are a form of intermittent pneumatic compression.
For the nurse
Choose the right sleeve size, fit it so two fingers slip under it, and make sure the pump is on and cycling. Take the sleeves off to check the skin as policy requires. Do not apply them to a leg with a known or suspected clot.
At a glance
| Spanish | dispositivo de compresión secuencial |
|---|---|
| Also written | sequential compression devices, intermittent pneumatic compression, intermittent pneumatic compression device |
Related terms
deep vein thrombosis
A blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the leg or pelvis.
postoperative
Describing the time after surgery, from the end of the operation until recovery.
blood clot
A soft, gel-like clump that forms when blood changes from a liquid to a solid.