Edema

​This table is used to determine the likelihood of a patient testing positive for a DVT

1. ​The patient may be seated or supine (record position)

2. ​Press your thumb (you can use your first and second finger as well.) firmly, but gently into the patient's skin and hold for 5 seconds

3. ​Remove the pressure and determine the depth of the indentation that remains and make note of how long it takes for the indentation to disappear

4. ​Compare your findings (see table 6-6 p.128 Fruth)

   YOU WILL NEED TO ACCURATELY RECORD YOUR FINDINGS FOR THE SKILL CHECK!

• ​Patient is either seated or supine

• ​Use a tape measure

• ​Select circumferential areas to measure (skill check is of the ankle)

  • ​Use bony landmarks (easy for reassessment)

  • ​Encircle the area to measure and pull firmly

  • ​Record in centimeters

  • ​Compare to uninvolved side, if present

1. ​1. Fundamentals of Test and Measures; Fruth & Fawcett

2. ​2. Edema Assessment-Physiopedia