Wound Types and Assessment Flashcards
List 4 types of ulcers.
Arterial insufficiency ulcers
Venous insufficiency ulcers
Neuropathic ulcers
Pressure ulcers
What is the cause of arterial insufficiency ulcers?
Inadequate circulation of oxygenated blood (ischemia)
What condition can cause arterial insufficiency ulcers?
Atherosclerosis
What are 4 general recommendations a patient with any type of ulcer should follow?
- Rest
- Risk reduction education
- Limb protection
- Daily inspection of skin (typically legs and feet)
What are 3 general recommendations for arterial insufficiency ulcers?
- Avoid unnecessary leg elevation
- Avoid soaking feet in hot water or using heating pads
- Wear appropriately sized shoes with seamless socks
What is the cause of venous insufficiency ulcers?
Impaired functioning of the venous system which leads to inadequate circulation and tissue damage
What symptoms may a patient with an arterial insufficiency ulcer present with? (4)
- Pain in the legs/feet (similar to intermittent claudication)
- Skin is cool to palpation
- Decreased pulse
- Pallor on leg elevation and rubor when dependent
What condition do most patients with arterial insufficiency also have?
Diabetes
What type of ulcers are the most common?
Venous insufficiency ulcers
What symptoms may a patient with a venous insufficiency ulcer present with? (4)
- Swelling of LEs
- Complaints of itching, fatigue, aching or heaviness in LE
- Tissue is wet from large amount of draining exudate
- Possible hemosiderin staining and lipodermatosclerosis
What are 4 general recommendations for venous insufficiency ulcers?
- Compression to control edema
- Elevation of legs above the heart when resting or sleeping
- Attempt active exercise including frequent ROM
- Wear appropriately fitting shoes with seamless socks
What type of ulcers are associated with hemosiderin straining and lipodermatosclerosis?
Venous insufficiency ulcers
What condition may occur as a result of chronic venous insufficiency?
Lymphedema
What is the most common form of primary lymphedema?
Milroy’s disease
What is the most common disease process seen with neuropathy?
Diabetes
What are neuropathic ulcers?
Ulcers caused by a combination of neuropathy (altered sensation) and ischemia
What symptoms may a patient with a neuropathic ulcer present with? (5)
- Ulcers on the weight bearing surface of the foot
- Diminished sensation
- Decreased or absent sweat/oil production
- Dry, inelastic skin
- Impaired healing time
What are 2 general recommendations for neuropathic ulcers?
- Inspect footwear for debris prior to donning
2. Wear appropriately sized OFF LOADING footwear with clean, cushioned, seamless socks
What is the most common causative factor of neuropathic ulcers?
Mechanical, repetitive stress
What is imperative to assess in patients with neuropathy? What tool can be used to test this?
Sensation (especially protective)
Monofilament testing
What finding on a monofilament test indicates loss of protective sensation?
Failure to perceive the application of a 10 gm monofilament
What finding on a monofilament test indicates that an area is insensate?
Failure to perceive the application of a 75 gm monofilament
What is another name for pressure ulcers?
Decubitus ulcers
What is the cause of pressure ulcers?
Unrelieved pressure on the dermis results in ischemia = damage
What areas of the body are the most susceptible to pressure ulcers?
Bony prominences
What are 5 general recommendations for pressure ulcers?
- Repositioning every 2 hours in bed
- Management of excess moisture
- Off-loading with pressure relieving devices
- Inspect skin daily for signs of pressure damage
- Limit shear, traction and friction forces over fragile skin
Name 2 pressure injury risk assessment tools,
Braden Scale
Norton Scale