The nurse is planning morning care for a client who has sequential com

The nurse is planning morning care for a client who has sequential compression devices in place. How should the nurse instruct the UAP who will be giving the bath?

1. “Come get me when it is time to remove the devices, because that must be done by a nurse.”
2. “You may remove the devices, but standards require that only a nurse put them back on the client.”
3. “You may leave the devices off until the client’s legs air dry.”
4. “Put the devices on as quickly as possible after the bath.”

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: The UAP is able to perform this activity.
Rationale 2: The UAP can reapply the devices.
Rationale 3: The UAP should dry the client’s legs and reapply the devices.
Rationale 4: The nurse should remind the UAP that the devices are being used to support circulation and should be off the client for as short a period of time as possible. The UAP who knows the correct removal and application process may remove and apply these devices.