IPC is suitable for:
- Patients who cannot walk to toilet unaided
- Patients in whom the aim of treatment is to improve survival
IPC is not suitable for:
- Patients receiving ‘end of life’ or palliative care
- Patients with bad oedema due to heart failure
- Patients suffering from skins problems on both legs (can use on one leg)
- Severe peripheral vascular disease
- Patients who are trying to mobilise against advice who are at risk of falling
TRUE statements
An 83-year old previously independent man, living with his wife is admitted with an acute ischaemic stroke causing severe right sided weakness, slurred speech and visual field loss. He is determined to get better.
The patient would benefit from avoiding a DVT and having his chances of survival maximised.
67-year old patient is immobile following an acute haemorrhagic stroke causing a right sided weakness. He has a chronic venous ulcer which is infected on his left leg.
Because the patient is at high risk of DVT. However apply the IPC sleeves just to his stroke affected leg, not the one with an ulcer. Most DVTs arise in the weaker leg after stroke.
FALSE statements
63-year old man, with acute stroke causing speech problems only. Patient is independently mobile around the ward.
His risk of DVT is very low, so IPC not indicated.
78-year old woman with severe dementia and painful arthritis is admitted with a massive intracerebral bleed. She is unconscious and is placed on an end of life pathway.
The aims of treatment are to keep the patient comfortable, not to improve her chances of survival.
85-year old lady with an acute left hemiparesis due to an ischaemic stroke is unable to walk safely without supervision. However, because she has neglect and is unaware of her weakness she is constantly attempting to climb out of bed and walk.
The IPC tubing will increase her risk of a fall with injury.
Page last reviewed: 23 Apr 2020
