When teaching a client about wearing thigh-high antiembolism elastic stockings, what should the nurse emphasize?

Emphasizing that thigh-high antiembolism elastic stockings should be applied before lowering the legs from bed is crucial for their effective use. These stockings are designed to promote venous return and help prevent blood clots by providing graduated compression. For maximum effectiveness, it is important to put them on while the legs are still elevated. This position helps the stocking fit more snugly and assists in proper blood circulation before the client places their legs down, where gravity might hinder the stockings' functionality if applied afterward.

This practice also helps ensure that the stockings are applied correctly without any excess creasing, which could lead to discomfort or skin irritation. Once the stockings are on and the legs are lowered, they can remain in place to continue promoting circulation throughout daily activities.

Options that suggest applying the stockings at bedtime, only wearing them while sleeping, or altering their position by rolling them down compromise the effectiveness of the stockings. These practices can interfere with the compression needed to support venous return and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during waking hours when the risk of clot formation is greater. Thus, focusing on the correct application timing significantly supports a client's safety and health.