TED Hose Application

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

The small opening in the hose does go on the bottom of the foot (ball of foot) correct? In this way the top of the toes are fully covered.

In class some students put the hole at the TOP of the toes but then this left the reinforced heel section also on top of the ankle, not on the heel. This can't be right, is it?

Specializes in ER, OB.

Where I work we always put the hole on the ball of the foot.

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

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Where I work the hole goes on the toes so you can check circulation.

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Where I work the hole goes on the toes so you can check circulation.

But does the hole go ON TOP of the toes or on the bottom of the toes?

We have two pair after a family member had surgery and it is obvious, with the reinforced heal area and also the preformed shape of the hose, (I mean it is shaped a little like a foot), and the hole is on the bottom but near the toes.

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

The holes on ours go at the top of the toes, but maybe they are differently constructed stockings. I guess different manufacturers could be making them different ways.

Just curious, do you put yours on by turning them inside out first. I was taught that way and it is much easier.You tuck the toe in and put it on the pts toes and then pull the stocking back over the foot so now it is right side out.I had a homecare teach me that once.Also if you wear gloves while putting on the really tight ones they don't slide.

Specializes in Plastic surgery and Med/surg.

I learned a neat trick just the other day. I have been a CNA for about 6 years, and on my first few weeks as a nurse, a pre-op nurse showed me this trick. Take the bag that the TED hose are in and place it on the patients foot. Take the TEDs and place it over the foot and pull them up the legs. It helps you to get the TEDs over the foot so that you are not struggling. After they are on, just go through the hole and take the bag off. It has helped me, so thought I would pass it along. My hospital, the TEDs are hole at top. You can actually see the heel in the ones that we use. They almost look like socks with a hole at the top.

Specializes in OB - RN, nursing instructor.

We have all 3 types at our school. Open toe, hole on top and hole under the ball of the foot. Remember to just follow where the heel is like you would with socks and go from there. The opening choice is meant to check circulation. They all work, I prefer the opening on the bottom because it is not as annoying to most patients. Explain to the patient what the opening is for and that unless it is "open toe", the teos do not stick out. If you have never seen the other types just do a search for anitembolism stockings. I have to admit, back in nursing school they showed us only one type and I was not really aware that there were others until I began working with surgical patients.

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Most of the ones we have at work have no hole at all.

Just curious, do you put yours on by turning them inside out first. I was taught that way and it is much easier.You tuck the toe in and put it on the pts toes and then pull the stocking back over the foot so now it is right side out.I had a homecare teach me that once.Also if you wear gloves while putting on the really tight ones they don't slide.

I learned this way from a book: You fold it, inside out, down to the heel and then place it on the patient's foot. Then all you have to do is more or less unfold it up to the calf. It is easier and sounds like your way.

We were taught to gather it like people used to gather stockings and put on and I find this way much more difficult and time-consuming.

So, if I wear regular hospital gloves it is easier? I'll try that.

Thanks.

. My hospital, the TEDs are hole at top. You can actually see the heel in the ones that we use. They almost look like socks with a hole at the top.

Yes, I've seen those. But I've also seen them where, taking into account the shape of the hose with the heel part protruding, the hole is on the bottom. I've seen pictures of both. So I'm starting by locating the heel and going from there.

Thanks.

We have all 3 types at our school. Open toe, hole on top and hole under the ball of the foot. Remember to just follow where the heel is like you would with socks and go from there. The opening choice is meant to check circulation. They all work, I prefer the opening on the bottom because it is not as annoying to most patients. Explain to the patient what the opening is for and that unless it is "open toe", the teos do not stick out. If you have never seen the other types just do a search for anitembolism stockings. I have to admit, back in nursing school they showed us only one type and I was not really aware that there were others until I began working with surgical patients.

Thanks for this. I know I've seen more than one type. But we were told, the hole is always at the top. And I know that this is not so.

Thanks.

Specializes in OB - RN, nursing instructor.

Keep in mind that just because someone is an instructor, they do not know everything. We are human. I only learned about the top hole TEDs in school as well and I was shocked (and a little confused) when I saw the others at my facility. This is why I ordered all types to show my students. Live and learn...and continue to question and share your experiences. It helps us all.

Specializes in Psychiatry & Geriatrics.

ECMB is correct.........Read her note for the "correct" application instructions. A side note......to help those little buggers go on a little easier, try applying lotion to the patients legs, not alot, just enough to help the hose slide on easier. The patients love it!

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