Leg Ulcers Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

What is a chronic leg ulcer?

A

An open lesion between the knee and ankle joint that remains unhealed for at least 4 weeks

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the causes of leg ulceration?

A
  1. Venous insufficiency
  2. Arterial insufficiency
  3. Arterio-venous
  4. Diabetic
  5. Malignancy
  6. Vasculitis
  7. Inflammatory
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Venous leg ulcers and usually found in which specific area of the lower leg?

A

Gaiter area

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the characteristic of the leg in an arterial leg ulcer?

A

Hairless
Pale
Cold to touch
Unable to palpate pulses

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Describe a venous leg ulcer?

A
  1. Superficial ulceration
  2. Gaiter area
  3. Signs of venous disease: varicosities, haemosiderin staining
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Describe an arterial leg ulcer?

A
  1. Deep punched out
  2. May be tendon exposure
  3. Often on the foot/toes/pressure areas
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What investigation gives the ratio of the blood pressure at the ankle to the blood pressure in the upper arm?

A

ABPI (Ankle/brachial pressure index)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is a normal ABPI?

A

0.8 - 1.3

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What would an ABPI of < 0.8 suggest?

A

Vascular disease

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What would an ABPI of > 1.5 suggest?

A

Calcification

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Compression bandaging airmen to achieve what pressure at the ankle and just below the knee?

A

40mmHg at ankle

25mmHg below knee

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How often are compression bandages typically replaced?

A

Weekly

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Compression bandages are the treatment for which type of leg ulcer?

A

Venous

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the treatment for arterial leg ulcers?

A
Pain relief
Lifestyle changes - smoking
Aspirin
Treat infections
Soffban and crepe bandages toe to knee (reduce oedema)
Vascular surgery if indicated
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

When should a patient with a leg ulcer be given a specialist referral?

A
  1. If not improving after 12 weeks of optimum treatment
  2. Atypical ulcer appearance
  3. Suspect vasculitis
  4. Inflammatory Ulcer
  5. Malignancy
  6. Peripheral vascular disease
  7. If suspicion of contact allergy refer for patch testing
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of vasculitis?

A

Painful
Sudden onset
Necrotic
Purpuric rash

17
Q

Venous eczema (stasis dermatitis) occurs as a result of what?

A

Venous hypertension

18
Q

What are the symptoms of venous eczema?

A

Very itchy
Red
Scaly

19
Q

What is the presentation of a DVT?

A
Unilateral oedema
Pain
Tenderness
Warmth
Erythema