Characteristics of LE Ulcers

Question 1

Arterial Insufficiency Ulcers (Location, Appearance, Exudate)

Answer 1

L: lower 1/3 of leg, toes, web spaces (distal toes, dorsal foot, lateral malleolua

A: SMOOTH edges, well defined; lack granulation tissue; tend to be deep

E: minimal

Question 2

Venous Insufficiency Ulcers (Location, Appearance, Exudate)

Answer 2

L: proximal to medial malleolus

A: IRREGULAR shape; shallow

E: mod/heavy

Question 3

Neuropathic Ulcers (Location, Appearance, Exudate)

Answer 3

L: areas of the foot susceptible to shear forces or pressure during WB

A: WELL-DEFINED OVAL/CIRCLE, callused rim; cracked periwound tissue, little to no wound bed necrosis with good granulation

E: low/mod

Question 4

Arterial Insufficiency Ulcers (Pain, pedal pulses, edema)

Answer 4

P: severe

PP: diminished or absent

E: normal

Question 5

Venous Insufficiency Ulcers (Pain, pedal pulses, edema)

Answer 5

P: mild to mod

PP: normal

E: increased

Question 6

Neuropathic Ulcers (Pain, pedal pulses, edema)

Answer 6

P: none, but dysesthesia may be reported

PP: diminished or absent; unreliable ABI with diabetes

E: normal

Question 7

Arterial Insufficiency Ulcers (Skin temperature, tissue changes, miscellaneous)

Answer 7

Temp: Decreased

Tissue: thin and shiny, hair loss; yellow nails

Misc: leg elevation INCREASES pain

Question 8

Venous Insufficiency Ulcers (Skin temperature, tissue changes, miscellaneous)

Answer 8

Temp: normal

Tissue: flaking, dry skin; brownish discoloration

Misc: leg elevation DECREASES pain

Question 9

Neuropathic Ulcers (Skin temperature, tissue changes, miscellaneous)

Answer 9

Temp: decreased

Tissue: dry, inelastic, shiny skin; decreased or absent sweat and oil production

Misc: loss of protective sensation