Assess the Effectiveness of Elastic Compression on Pain and Edema of Lower Extremities among Nursing Staff in Selected Hospitals, Kerala

Abstract

Introduction: Nursing is a globally recognized profession that works with human beings and is emotionally connected to the patients. Therefore, nurses are often experience to strain-induced stress, resulting in injury to muscles, blood vessels, and nerve tissues. Nurses frequently spend prolonged periods standing, with shifts that can extend up to 12 hours. They do overtime after their normal working shift of 9 to 12 hour and it has opportunity to get pain and edema on lower extremities. Methodology: The research were performed in the selected hospitals of Kerala, India, among 40 nursing staffs regarding the effectiveness of elastic compression on pain and edema of lower extremities. The research approach and research design were used are quantitative research approach and true experimental pre-test post-test control group design. The tools were used for data collection are Demographic characteristics of samples, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Glass fiber tape measure and Likert satisfaction Survey scale. A knee length toe exposed with 23-32 mm Hg firm pressure elastic compression stocking were used as intervention tool for the study. Results: The most of participants from experimental group fully satisfied to the elastic stocking compression 18 (90%) and 2(10%) of participant had partially satisfied. The average and standard deviation of satisfaction is 1.11±0.3. Conclusion: The nurses are integral part of health care system; they provide comprehensive care which physical, mental and social support to needy people. The sound health is a essential and most important aspects. Although physical strain always reported by nursing staffs, especially those are working prolonged time. Hence elastic compression stocking needed to improve the blood circulation of lower extremities.