Which condition is a contraindication for intermittent compression therapy?

Which condition is a contraindication for intermittent compression therapy?

• A. Acute pulmonary edema
• B. Venous stasis ulcer
• C. Lymphedema
• D. Intermittent claudication

Answer: (A)

Intermittent compression increases venous return and preload, helping reduce edema in the legs by shifting fluid back toward the heart. In acute pulmonary edema, the heart is already overwhelmed and cannot handle extra volume; increasing preload can worsen pulmonary congestion, raise filling pressures, and worsen respiratory status. That makes acute pulmonary edema a contraindication to this therapy. The other conditions listed are not absolute contraindications. Venous stasis ulcers and lymphedema are common indications for compression to reduce swelling and aid healing when skin is intact. Intermittent claudication indicates arterial insufficiency, so compression is used with caution in ischemic limbs, but it’s not an absolute contraindication in all cases.

Intermittent compression increases venous return and preload, helping reduce edema in the legs by shifting fluid back toward the heart. In acute pulmonary edema, the heart is already overwhelmed and cannot handle extra volume; increasing preload can worsen pulmonary congestion, raise filling pressures, and worsen respiratory status. That makes acute pulmonary edema a contraindication to this therapy.

The other conditions listed are not absolute contraindications. Venous stasis ulcers and lymphedema are common indications for compression to reduce swelling and aid healing when skin is intact. Intermittent claudication indicates arterial insufficiency, so compression is used with caution in ischemic limbs, but it’s not an absolute contraindication in all cases.