Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

Are TED stockings considered effective compression therapy for LEVD?

1. Yes, they are optimal

2. No, but better than nothing

3. Only useful if worn overnight

4. They are not recommended at all

The correct answer is: No, but better than nothing

TED stockings, or thromboembolic deterrent stockings, are designed primarily to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) by providing graduated compression to the lower extremities. They help maintain venous blood flow, counteract venous stasis, and can be beneficial for patients who may be immobile or at risk for VTE during and after surgical procedures. When considering their effectiveness specifically for lower extremity venous disease (LEVD), TED stockings are not viewed as the optimal form of compression therapy. Higher compression levels, such as those found in surgical or therapeutic compression stockings, are generally more effective for managing the symptoms and complications associated with LEVD, such as edema, pain, and the prevention of ulceration. However, while TED stockings may not provide the optimal level of compression, they are still considered better than not using any compression garments at all. They can provide some level of support and may help mitigate certain risk factors, making them a reasonable option in some situations, albeit not the best choice for comprehensive management of LEVD. Thus, recognizing them as not being the most effective but still having a beneficial role in reducing the risk of complications aligns with the answer that they are "better than nothing."