Leg edema Teaching 561
Patient was instructed on relieving and preventing leg edema. The first line of defense is: leg elevation. Elevate legs above the level of the heart which puts minimal pressure on the back of the knees and thighs and lower back. Other help to decrease swelling is limiting salt intake, drink plenty of water, avoid sitting with the feet dependent. Do not abuse diuretics and laxatives.
Reviewed November 2017
Reviewed for general reference only. Adapt to your patient, agency policy, and scope of practice.
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