PT 810 Compression Therapy Practice Test

When edema is being managed with an elastic support garment, the main idea is to use compression during the part of the day when swelling is most likely to worsen—that is, when you’re upright and active. Wearing the garment during the day helps support venous return and reduce fluid buildup as you move, stand, and walk. At night, when you’re lying down, gravity has less impact and fluid distribution changes, so swelling often decreases naturally. Giving the legs a rest from compression at night also allows the skin to breathe and makes it easier to check for irritation or breakdown. Continuous wear through the night isn’t usually necessary for general edema control and can increase the risk of skin problems if the fit isn’t perfect. If a clinician prescribes around-the-clock wear for a specific condition, that guidance would override this general approach, but for typical edema management, daytime wear is appropriate.