How often should antiembolism stockings be removed to check skin and circulation?

The recommended practice for checking skin integrity and circulation when using antiembolism stockings is to remove them every 8 hours. This timeframe strikes a balance between providing the necessary support for improving venous return and preventing potential complications, such as skin irritation or impaired circulation.

Wearing antiembolism stockings for prolonged periods without inspection can lead to issues including skin breakdown or excessive pressure on the skin, so regular checks are essential to ensure the patient's skin remains healthy and that circulation is not compromised. This is particularly critical for individuals who might have limited mobility or further risk factors for skin integrity issues.

The other options suggest either too frequent or too infrequent checks, which do not align with established guidelines for monitoring the effects of the stockings on the skin and circulation. Thus, removing the stockings every 8 hours is the best practice to ensure patient safety while maximizing the efficacy of the stockings.