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ExamReady CNA
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Personal Care

Applies Knee-High Elastic Stocking

Roll the stocking inside-out to the heel, slide it over the foot, then unroll it up the calf. Smooth out every wrinkle. Wrinkles cut off circulation and damage skin — the goal is a smooth, snug fit.

5-10 minutes•10 steps•1 critical
Anti-embolism stockings — applied wrinkle-free, never balled up.

Why this matters

Anti-embolism stockings — applied wrinkle-free, never balled up.

Quick tips

  • Turn the stocking inside out to the heel first, so the foot section is a small pocket you can guide into place.
  • Finish by checking the heel, the ankle and the toes. The hospital policy lists these as places to check for a smooth fit.
  • If a client says the stocking feels numb, burning, tingling or painful, tell the nurse right away.

Common mistakes

  • Putting the stocking on a client who is sitting up or standing. The checklist requires lying flat, so you lose that step.
  • Pulling the stocking on like a sock without turning it inside out. That skips a required step and makes the heel pocket harder to place on the heel.
  • Smoothing the calf but leaving a wrinkle at the ankle or heel. The finish is the critical step, and missing it fails the skill.
  • Leaving the heel pocket on the ankle or arch. The step requires the heel over the heel.