Leg Ulcers Flashcards
Give a definition for a leg ulcer
An open lesion between the knee and ankle joint that is unhealed for at least 4 weeks
The majority of leg ulcers are venous. True/false?
True
What are the different types of leg ulcer?
Venous Arterial Vasculitic Malignant Inflammatory Hydrostatic
What is the order of assessment in assessing a leg ulcer?
Patient
Leg
Ulcer
What sort of things should the patient be asked about?
Past medical history Medication Social circumstances Smoker Mobility Sleep
What are some signs of venous disease?
Varicose veins
Brown staining
Blue feet
What must always be done when assessing an ulcer?
ABPI
Lipodermatosclerosis is what?
A change in leg skin due to chronic ulceration
What anatomical sites on the leg suggests an arterial ulcer?
Shins
Toes
Feet
What kind of ulcers are usually found in the gaiter region?
Venous
What is vasculitis?
An inflammation of the blood vessels
What are the signs and symptoms of vasculitis?
Pain
Sudden onset
Pupuric rash/pustules
What investigations are done for a leg ulcer?
ABPI
Wound swab - only if sign of infection
Bloods (FBC, LFTs etc.)
Patch testing
An ABPI of 1 is?
Normal
An ABPI of <0.8 suggests?
Vascular disease
