Swollen leg

Question 1

Questions to ask swollen leg presentation

Answer 1

1. Extent of swelling
2. If present on both legs
3. Does swelling extend to sacrum
4. Exacerbating/ reducing factors e.g. walking? putting feet up?
5. How long has swelling been? Progression e.g. gotten worse or the same or reduced
6. Is there pitting oedema: ‘ do you notice when you press on it, in print remains on leg?’
7. Similar episodes? Treatment for them

Question 2

Associated questions for swollen leg

Answer 2

1. Orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea?
2. Cardio-resp symptoms e.g. palpitations, SOB, chest pain, haememtesis, sputum production
3. VTE risk factors e.g. long haul flight, recent surgery, medications like tranxemic acid, past history of VTE like stroke, malignancy
4. Risk factors for heart diseases e.g. high b.p, high cholesterol, family history of heart disease, diabetes, previous heart disease, recent cardiac interventions

Question 3

Conditions that present with swollen leg

Answer 3

1. DVT
2. PE
3. Heart failure
4. Kidney failure