Deck 8: Intermittent Pneumatic Compression

Question 1

When performing IPC for lymphedema, it is imperative that all health-care providers avoid which of the following for a limb at risk for or with known lymphedema?

A) Movement of non-affected limbs
B) Assessment of blood pressure
C) Deep breathing during treatment
D) Assessment of heart rate

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Which of the following is a common benign response following an IPC treatment?

A) Slight transient dizziness and unsteadiness
B) Numbness of the extremity
C) Persistent shortness of breath for several hours
D) Depressed circumferential lines on limb

Answer 2

A

Question 3

IPC pressure must be above which of the following arterial capillary pressures to be useful in assisting an arteriovenous (A-V) pressure gradient and encouraging the absorption of edema?

A) 30 mmHg
B) 10 mmHg
C) 60 mmHg
D) 120 mmHg

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which of the following is appropriate prior to applying the garment to the limb?

A) A stockinette without wrinkles should be placed over the limb.
B) Deep effleurage should be performed to decrease edema in the limb.
C) Application of an analgesic cream to the skin will limit discomfort during treatment.
D) Light aerobic exercise, such as stationary bicycling, will increase circulation to the limb.

Question 5

Which of the following instructions would be most helpful for a patient who has just completed the first IPC treatment for lower extremity edema?

A) Put the leg in a dependent position as soon as possible to prevent ischemia.
B) Compensatory swelling in other areas of the body is an expected response to IPC.
C) Avoid moving the treated limb for as long as possible.
D) Wear compression garments to maintain changes in limb volume.

Question 6

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) can be prevented by the use of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and which of the following?

A) Frequent superficial massage of immobilized limbs
B) Resistance exercises for the affected limbs
C) Alternate application of heat and cold modalities to the limbs
D) Avoidance of bedrest and early mobilization

Question 7

Which of the following is a contraindication for IPC?

A) Persistent lower extremity edema secondary to congestive heart failure
B) Chronic venous stasis ulcer on the foot
C) Acute local dermatological infection
D) Lymphatic edema following mastectomy

Question 8

Which of the following treatment parameters for IPC would be best for a patient with upper extremity post-mastectomy stage 1 or 2 lymphedema?

A) 30 to 50 mmHg for 60 minutes once or twice per day
B) 50 to 80 mmHg for 30 minutes three or four times per day
C) 80 to 100 mmHg for 20 minutes once per day
D) 100 to 120 mmHg for 10 minutes every 2 hours

Question 9

Which statement about IPC is correct?

A) Effective for post-traumatic edema only if applied immediately after trauma
B) May help decrease high extremity blood pressure related to pulmonary edema
C) Effective in prevention of deep venous thrombosis formation in a person who is immobilized
D) Contraindicated for open wounds because of decreased oxygen delivery to the wound

Question 10

Shortness of breath following IPC may indicate

A) The pressure was set too high during treatment and must be reduced next treatment.
B) The duration of the treatment was too long and must be reduced next session.
C) There may be a fluid overload in the lungs or a pulmonary embolism.
D) This is a normal response to IPC and there is no cause for concern.

Question 11

What is the most important factor to consider for setting the on-and-off times for IPC treatments?

A) Patient's weight
B) Patient's comfort
C) Length of limb
D) Limb circumference

Question 12

What should you do if your patient complains of numbness or tingling of her distal extremity during IPC?

A) Instruct the patient to contract her muscles in the garment to decrease this sensation.
B) Stop treatment and check for possible deep vein thrombosis or nerve compression.
C) Decrease elevation of the limb and adjust parameters until the sensation subsides.
D) This is a normal response to IPC and there is no cause for concern.

Question 13

Which of the following circumference measurements of the limb must be recorded prior to treatment?

A) 2 cm proximal and 6 cm distal to the garment
B) Every 10 cm from bony landmarks
C) Proximal and distal to the garment
D) Every centimeter of the limb to be treated

Question 14

Which of the following parameters for IPC should be chosen for a patient who has a lower extremity venous ulcer?

A) Slow inflation cycles
B) Long inflation times and slow deflation times
C) Rapid inflation cycles
D) Slow inflation times and rapid deflation times

Question 15

Use of IPC for treatment of post-traumatic edema should not be performed during which of the following stages of healing?

A) Acute
B) Subacute
C) Chronic
D) Maturation