Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Are TED stockings effective compression therapy for LEVD?

1. Yes, highly effective

2. No, but better than nothing

3. Only for short-term use

4. Only for patients with arterial issues

The correct answer is: No, but better than nothing

TED stockings, or thromboembolic deterrent stockings, are designed primarily for venous thromboembolism prevention, particularly in patients who are immobile or undergoing surgery. Their main purpose is to provide mild compression to help maintain venous return in the lower extremities. While TED stockings do offer some level of compression, they are not considered sufficient for managing lower extremity venous disease (LEVD) effectively. Compression therapy that is more effective, such as class II or higher compression stockings, provides significantly greater compression and is specifically calibrated to help alleviate symptoms related to venous insufficiency and reduce the risk of venous ulcers. Therefore, the assertion that TED stockings are better than nothing acknowledges that although they do provide some benefit in terms of compression, they fall short in their effectiveness compared to prescribed graduated compression stockings for managing LEVD. They can potentially be useful in certain situations or as a part of a preventive strategy, but their limitations mean that they shouldn't be relied upon as the primary treatment for significant venous disease.