Introduction to Skin Integrity and Basic Wound Care
Introduction to Skin Integrity and Basic Wound Care ( 9 Questions)
A client has a venous ulcer on the lower leg that is treated with compression therapy. The nurse instructs the client to elevate the leg above the level of the heart whenever possible. What is the rationale for this instruction?
To reduce edema and venous pressure is the rationale for elevating the leg above the level of the heart whenever possible. Venous ulcers are caused by chronic venous insufficiency, which impairs venous return and causes blood pooling, increased venous pressure, and edema in the lower extremities. Elevation helps to facilitate venous return and reduce edema and venous pressure, which improves wound healing.
To increase arterial blood flow and oxygenation is not the rationale for elevating the leg above the level of the heart whenever possible. Arterial ulcers are caused by arterial insufficiency, which impairs arterial blood flow and oxygenation to the lower extremities. Elevation may worsen arterial blood flow and oxygenation, as it reduces the effect of gravity on arterial perfusion.
To stimulate nerve regeneration and sensation doesn’t help with venous ulcers.
To stimulate nerve regeneration and sensation doesn’t help with venous ulcers.
Answer: A
To reduce edema and venous pressure is the rationale for elevating the leg above the level of the heart whenever possible. Venous ulcers are caused by chronic venous insufficiency, which impairs venous return and causes blood pooling, increased venous pressure, and edema in the lower extremities. Elevation helps to facilitate venous return and reduce edema and venous pressure, which improves wound healing.
B. To increase arterial blood flow and oxygenation is not the rationale for elevating the leg above the level of the heart whenever possible. Arterial ulcers are caused by arterial insufficiency, which impairs arterial blood flow and oxygenation to the lower extremities. Elevation may worsen arterial blood flow and oxygenation, as it reduces the effect of gravity on arterial perfusion.
C. To prevent infection and inflammation is not the rationale for elevating the leg above the level of the heart whenever possible. Infection and inflammation are complications of venous ulcers, but they are not directly affected by elevation. Infection and inflammation are prevented by proper wound care, such as cleansing, dressing, debridement, and antibiotic therapy.
D. To stimulate nerve regeneration and sensation doesn’t help with venous ulcers.