TRUE statements
IPC should be applied as soon as possible after admission
The risk of DVT is highest in the first few days, so IPC will have greatest benefit in the early phase.
If you can just get two fingers between the sleeves and the leg at the knee, then the sleeves are not too tight or loose
If they are looser, they may not provide sufficient compression to prevent DVT.
FALSE statements
IPC has to be applied to both legs
It can be applied to one leg if the patient has a skin condition, or is unwilling to have the sleeves on both.
If the IPC is left off for a few hours, it should not be reapplied without performing a Doppler scan to exclude a DVT
There is no evidence that reapplying the IPC after a break is hazardous.
The size of the sleeve is determined by the circumference of the mid calf
It is determined by the circumference of the thigh, at its widest point.
The IPC sleeves should be used over graduated compression stockings
Stockings increase the risk of skin problems. The sleeves can be applied over thin trousers or pyjamas.
If the patient has a catheter leg bag, apply the sleeves over the bag
This is a bad idea and will prevent proper compression – replace the leg bag with one which is supported from the bed side.
Page last reviewed: 23 Apr 2020
