Final answer:
Anti-embolism stockings are prescribed to provide increased pressure on the legs that aids in preventing blood stasis and clot formation (DVT) which can lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), a serious health risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
A PCT (Patient Care Technician) is applying anti-embolism stockings to a patient, which have been prescribed by a provider for various reasons. These stockings are designed to create increased pressure on the lower legs, thereby helping veins return blood back up to the heart. This is particularly important when a patient is at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside the body, often in the legs. The use of anti-embolism stockings helps to improve circulation and prevent the stasis of blood that can lead to clotting.
Patients who are immobile, those undergoing surgical procedures, or individuals taking long-haul flights are at an increased risk of DVT, which can lead to a potentially life-threatening complication known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE occurs when a clot breaks free and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, blocking blood flow. Therefore, anti-embolism stockings are not only used to combat swelling and the pooling of blood due to prolonged periods of immobility but also serve as a preventive measure against DVT and PE. In addition, they can contribute to reducing swelling (edema) and managing blood pressure.