ABSTRACT
Management of chronic venous leg ulcers (VLU) can be frustrating for both patient and practitioner. It is a significant source of disability and cost of care. Before the practitioner enters the management phase of VLU care, it is helpful to understand the impact of VLUs. Additionally, it is essential to understand the structure and function of the venous system and manifestations indicative of a dysfunction of the system. This article focuses on the epidemiology, structure, and function of the venous system as well as clinical manifestations and prevention.
Subject(s)
Leg/blood supply , Varicose Ulcer/physiopathology , Wound Healing/physiology , Humans , Varicose Ulcer/epidemiology , Varicose Ulcer/prevention & controlABSTRACT
The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) and the American Venous Forum (AVF) published guidelines for the management of venous leg ulcers in August 2014. The goal of this article (Part 2) is to summarize the guidelines that address diagnosis and treatment recommendations published jointly by the SVS and AVF that may affect the nursing practice of vascular nurses. Specific sections include wound evaluation, therapies used on the wound bed itself, compression, and operative or endovascular management. Part 1, published elsewhere in this issue, addressed the epidemiology and financial impact of ulcers, venous anatomy, pathophysiology of venous leg ulcer development, clinical manifestations, and prevention of venous leg ulcers. These 2 parts together provide a comprehensive summary of the joint SVS and AVF guidelines for care of venous leg ulcers.
Subject(s)
Practice Guidelines as Topic , Varicose Ulcer/therapy , Cardiovascular Nursing/methods , Evidence-Based Medicine , Humans , Leg , Varicose Ulcer/diagnosis , Vascular Surgical Procedures/standards , Wound HealingABSTRACT
C-reactive protein (CRP) is becoming more frequently measured in patients with vascular disease. Awareness of why CRP levels are measured, knowledge of normal versus elevated levels, ability to obtain accuracy in measurement, and teaching appropriate for patients with vascular disease may enhance the care given by vascular nurses. The purpose of this article is to provide a guide for vascular nurses in understanding the role of the serum marker CRP for patients with vascular disease.
