Integumentary: Ulcers: Arterial vs Venous Ulcers

Question 1

Etiology

Answer 1

Arterial: Arteriosclerosis obliterans, Atheroembolism
(Typically arterial conditions)
Venous: Valvular incompetence, Venous hypertension
(Typically venous conditions)

Question 2

Appearance

Answer 2

Arterial: 
- Irregular smooth edges
- Minimum to no granulation
- Usually Deep
Venous:
- Irregular; dark pigmentation
- Sometimes fibrotic
- Good granulation
- Usually shallow

Question 3

Location

Answer 3

Arterial:
- Distal lower leg, toes, feet
- Lateral malleolus
- Anterior tibial area
Venous:
- Distal lower leg
- Medial malleolus

Question 4

Pedal Pulses

Answer 4

Arterial: Decreased or absent
Venous: Usually present

Question 5

Pain

Answer 5

Arterial: Painful especially if legs elevated
Venous: Little pain comfortable with legs elevated

Question 6

Drainage

Answer 6

Arterial: Not present
Venous: Absent

Question 7

Associated Gangrene

Answer 7

Arterial: May be present
Venous: Absent

Question 8

Associated Signs

Answer 8

Arterial:
- Trophic changes
- Pallor on foot elevation
- Dusky Rubor on dependency
Venous:
- Edema
- Stasis dermatitis
- Possible cyanosis on dependency