Leg ulcers Flashcards
What is a leg ulcer
any break in the lower leg skin above the ankle and present for more than 4 weeks
Which is more common, arterial or venous?
Venous
\what would you ask about in their PMH?
DVT, clotting problems, PVD, diabetes, varicose veins
Where would you find a venous ulcer?
Medial malleolus
What measurement must be taken before a leg ulcer can be treated?
ABPI
What should the ABPI be?
0.8-1.3
What would a score of
venous disease
What would a score of >1.5 suggest?
calcification
When would you do a wound swab?
only when the ulcer looks infected/ enlarging/ smells real bad
How would you treat venous ulcer?
non- adhesive dressing, de-sloughing agent (hydrogel) 4 layer compression bandaging and ELEVATION
In what she should the compression bandaging be in?
a cone
how long should it take for the ulcer to heal with treatment
12 weeks
dressings heal ulcers by themselves, yay or nay
naaaaay
What colour is typically associated with atrophie blanche
purple
Are venous ulcers shallow or deep?
SHALLOW