Leg ulcers Flashcards
1
Q
Define a chronic leg ulcer
A
- an open lesion between the knee and the ankle joint
- remains unhealed for atleast 4 weeks
2
Q
What percentage of leg ulcers are venous in nature?
A
- 60-80%
3
Q
Where would an arterial ulcer most likely appear?
A
- between toes
- over phalangeal heads (foot)
- tips of toes
- lateral malleolous
4
Q
What is the appearance of an arterial ulcer?
A
- punched out apperance
- pale or necrotic tissue
- shiny pale skin
5
Q
Where do venous ulcers most likely appear?
A
- Gaiter area
6
Q
What is the appearance of venous ulcers?
A
- Not as clear cut as arterial
- irregular shaped
- granular wound
- malleolar area
7
Q
What investigations would you do into a leg ulcer?
A
- ABPI
- Duplex
- Swab if exudate
- Bloods
8
Q
What is a normal ABPI?
A
- 1.0
9
Q
What ABPI range shows calcification?
A
> 1.5
10
Q
What ABPI range shows compression?
A
0.8-1.3
11
Q
What ABPI range shows vascular disease?
A
<0.8
12
Q
What is the treatment of venous ulcers?
A
- ABPI
- manage pain
- 4 layer compression bandages
- compression stockings
- non-adherent dressings
13
Q
What is the time frame aim for the healing of simple venous ulcers?
A
- within 12 weeks
14
Q
How many classes of compression stockings are there?
A
- 3
- 1= weak
- 3 = strongest
