What should a nurse aide primarily observe when a resident is wearing elastic compression stockings?

When a resident is wearing elastic compression stockings, the primary observation should focus on the resident's toe color. This is crucial because compression stockings are designed to improve blood circulation and provide support to the legs. Monitoring the toe color helps ensure that the stockings are not causing any circulatory issues, such as constriction that could lead to reduced blood flow to the toes. Healthy circulation will typically display pink or normal coloration, while indicators of poor circulation could manifest as pale, bluish, or dusky coloring.

While overall mobility, the tightness of the stockings, and the time they were applied are important elements to consider in general care, they do not directly assess the immediate effectiveness and safety of the compression stockings. Mobility can be affected by various factors unrelated to the stockings, and while tightness can be observed, the primary concern is whether there is adequate blood circulation, which is directly indicated by the color of the toes. Monitoring the time of application provides context for when re-evaluation may be necessary, but it does not provide immediate feedback on the resident’s current condition regarding circulation.