Leg Ulcers

Question 1

Define a leg ulcer.

Answer 1

any break in the skin of the lower leg above the ankle present more than 4 weeks

Question 2

When assessing the ulcer, what details must you remember to note?

Answer 2

position of ulcer

measure surface area

Question 3

What investigation is used to differentiate venous from arterial and mixed ulcers?

Answer 3

ABPI

Question 4

What is the treatment for a venous leg ulcer?

Answer 4

Control pain
ABPI
Non-adherent dressing
De-sloughing agent if necessary eg hydrogel/ honey
4 layer compression bandaging – may need to increase compression gradually if pain a problem
Leg elevation

Question 5

When should you aim to heal ulcer by?

Answer 5

12 weeks

Question 6

What is a normal ABPI?

Answer 6

between 0.9 and 1.2

Question 7

Where do venous ulcers normally develop?

Answer 7

around the malleoli

Question 8

Where do diabetic and arterial ulcers develop?

Answer 8

often present on the feet, especially around pressure sites such as the heel, or where shoes rub due to neuropathy.

Question 9

What can skin cancer present as?

Answer 9

a non healing ulcer on lower leg