Arterial Insufficiency Wounds Flashcards
Where are arterial insufficiency wounds typically found?
commonly below the ankle on the foot, heel, met heads, tips of toes, etc. but can be superior to lateral malleolus or anterior lower leg
How do arterial insufficiency wounds typically present?
What is the drainage typically like?
What does the tissue usually look like?
- starts shallow then deepens
- punched out appearance
- usually round
Minimal to no drainage as they are usually dry and hard
- black/brown eschar
- pale granulation tissue
- mixed
What are the characteristics of dry gangrene?
- mummification
- no drainage/hard
- little to no odor
- clear demarcation
needs to be protected and off-loaded and monitored for conversion
What are the characteristics of wet gangrene?
- drainage
- odor
- edema
- erythema
- less clear demarcation
- urgent referral to ER needed
True or False: patients with AI wounds should not be walking or exercising.
False, exercise and walking is appropriate as is ROM programs for joint mobility and muscle flexibility
What wounds should you NEVER use moist dressings on?
dry gangrene/eschar and be careful at other times for AI wounds
True or False: Treat all AI wounds as healable until proven to be unhealable.
False, treat all AI wounds as if they can’t be healed and keep them dry until it is proven that they are healable and have objective evidence of vascular status (ABI over .5)
What is the PT role for treating AI wounds?
identify, refer, protect, monitor, and educate
Why should you use caution when considering debridement for AI wounds?
there is lack of good blood flow and healing will be slow so sharp debridement is typically contraindicated and all stable eschar should not be debrided
Which ABI ratio generally can be compressed at around 35-40 mmHg?
Which ratio should definitely not be compressed?
Which ratio can possibly have light compression of 17-25 mmHg?
ABI over .8
ABI under .5
ABI between .6 and .8
