Guidelines for the treatment of venous ulcers Flashcards
How can gross arterial disease be ruled out
by establishing a pedal pulse or that the ankle brachial index (ABI) is greater than 0.8
what is suggested if ABI is less than 1.0
there is a degree of vascular disease
what is suggested if ABI is less than 0.7
compression therapy is contraindicated
what is a useful way to provide data to confirm venous etiology for a leg ulcer
a color duplex ultrasound scanning with proximal compression or valsalva manuever
what is indicated for treatment of venous ulcers
use of a class 3 high compression system
what is another option for those who cant use compression dressings
intermittent pneumatic presure
what are ways we can remove necrotic tissue
by sharp, enzymatic, mechanical, biological or autolytic debridement
when examining the patient as a whole what should you include in their history to help you treat them properly
history of systemic diseases, medications,nutrition, tissue perfusion and oxygenation
what is required to remove necrotic tissue
initial debridement
what should be included in our documentation
wound history
recurrence of wound
size, location, bse, eudates, surrounding skin condition, staging,pain
why should we use a dressing that maintains a moist wound-healing environment
because this favors cell migration and matrix formation therefore accelerating healing
how are dry dressings injurious
they cause desiccation of the wound
characteristics of a dressing we should choose
select a dressing that:
- facilitates continued moisture
- manages exudate and protects peri-ulcesrs
- stays in place
- minimizes shear/friction
- does not cause additional tissue damage
- cost effective
- appropriate to setting and provider
what is the most cost effective dressing
saline gauze dressings
when should you use adjuvant agents
when there is a lack of healing progress with traditional therapies
