Leg Ulcers Flashcards
what is the definition of a chronic leg ulcer
an open lesion between the knee and ankle that remains open for at least 4 weeks
what is the most common type of leg ulcer cause
60-80% venous cause
what are the less common types of causes of leg ulcers
arterial(22%), RA(9%), diabetic(5%)
what symptoms are associated with a leg ulcer
pain, leakage, smell, infection
what different types of leg ulcer are there
venous, arterial, vasculitic, malignant, inflammatory, “hydrostatic” dependant limb
what is recorded in the assessment of a leg ulcer
position of ulcer, measure surface area
describe features of an arterial ulcer
punched out, multiple tendon exposure
what is vasculitis
group of disorders in which there are inflamed blood vessels
describe the features of a leg ulcer in vasculitis
painful, sudden onset, purpuric rash/pustules, necrotic
what investigations can be done for a leg ulcer
ABPI, wound swab, bloods, patch testing(to previous ulcer treatments), duplex scan if needed
what is ABPI(ankle brachial pressure index) used for when assessing a leg ulcer
to establish if there is arterial disease
when are wound swabs used in assessing a leg ulcer
only if ulcer increasingly painful/exudate/malodour/enlarging
what are the different ranges for ABPI, for nomral, compression, vascular disease and calcification
normal = 1.0
compress = 0.8 - 1.3
vascular disease = <0.8
calcification = >1.5
what are the different aspects of venous ulcer treatment
control pain, ABPI, non-adherent dressing, de-sloughing agent if necessary, 4 layer compression bandage, leg elevation
describe the features of a 4 layer compression bandage
graduated compression, 40mmHg at ankle, 25mmHg below knee, non-adherent dressing, leg padded to cone shape
