Cardiovascular and Pulmonary: Interventions: Peripheral Vascular Disease: Rehabilitation Guidelines for Venous Disease

Question 1

Venous Thromboembolism: Exercise

Answer 1

Once therapeutic levels of medication have been administered

• Initiate ambulation/leg exercises
• Bed rest not recommended

Question 2

Venous Thromboembolism: Treatment

Answer 2

• Graded compression of at least 30 mmHg at the ankle

Question 3

Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Management of Edema

Answer 3

• Elevate extremity to a minimum of 18 cm above heart

- Encourage patient to elevate extremity as much as possible and avoid the dependent position

Question 4

Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Compression Therapy

Answer 4

• Elastic bandages applied within 20 minutes
• Graduated compression therapy with pressure gradient of 30-40 mmHg
• Compression pump used for 1 to 2 hour session twice daily

Question 5

Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Compression Therapy: Unna Boot

Answer 5

- Paste bandages
Gauze impregnated with 
- Zinc oxide
- Gelatin
- Glycerine
Applied for 4-7 days

Question 6

Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Compression Therapy: Red Flag

Answer 6

Contraindications to compression therapy

• ABI less than 0.8 mmHg
• Signs of cellulitis or infection
• Systemic arterial pressure of less than 0.8 mmHg
• Advanced peripheral neuropathy and uncontrolled congestive heart failure

Question 7

Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Exercise

Answer 7

• Active ankle exercises with emphasis on muscle pump (dorsiflexion/plantarflexion)
• Cycle Ergometry
• Early ambulation as soon as patient is able to get out of bed, 3-4/per day