Leg Ulcers Flashcards
1
Q
define
A
this is an open lesion between the knee and ankle joint that remains unhealed for at least 4 weeks
2
Q
different types
A
venous
arterial
RA
diabetic
3
Q
rarer causes
A
necrobiosis lipoidica (diabetes) pyoderma gangrenosum (inflammatory pustules that become ulcers)
4
Q
presentation
A
pain leakage smell infection slough lipodermatosclerosis (fat inflammation) hyperpigmentation
5
Q
what must a leg ulcer be distinguished from?
A
vasculitis (painful, sudden onset, purpuric rash and necrosis)
6
Q
diagnosis
A
position of ulcer (medial and lateral malleoli) ABPI swabs (infection) bloods patch testing for venous eczema duplex scan
7
Q
management
A
control pain clean using warm water and a soap substitute non-adherent dressing de-sloughing agent e.g. hydrogel/honey 4 layer compression bandaging leg elevation and compression
8
Q
describe 4-layer compression bandaging used in leg ulcers
A
40mmHg at ankle and 25mmHg at knee to facilitate blow flow to the heart
cone shape
changed weekly
9
Q
estimated healing time
A
12 weeks
10
Q
ways to remove devitalised tissue
A
- autolytic
- sharps with scalpel or scissors
- biological
- surgical
11
Q
describe autolytic debridement
A
use of dressing to create moist wound environment and hydrate necrotic tissue
12
Q
describe biological debridement
A
larvae therapy- maggots
