Venous Stasis Ulcers

Paper Summary:

The paper examines the prevalence, etiology, prevention, assessment, care and treatment by WOC/ET nurses in various settings, including acute care and home care settings. The paper includes details about recent studies reflecting modern treatment approaches and looks at guidelines to help nurses provide adequate care for patients with venous stasis ulcers, CVI and related conditions. The paper concludes that WOC/ET nurse professionals face many challenges when assisting patients with venous stasis ulcers. The paper asserts that it is vital for nursing staff to embark on continuous education plans to ensure they can provide optimal patient care in all situations and settings.

Outline:
Introduction
Prevalence/Etiology/Assessment
Prevention
Treatment
Care/Treatment by WOC/ET Nurse in Different Settings
Recommendations
Summary of Literature
Areas For Future Research
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"Venous insufficiency ulcers or stasis ulcers typically form as side effects of complications with blood flow through the veins (Rastinehad, 2006). Leaky valves and obstructions are partly to blame for stagnated or incorrect blood flow especially to the lower extremities. Typically as blood from the lower extremities begins to college in the leg, tissues surrounding the veins and leg are damaged, and ulcers commonly result (Tyco, 2006). It is important when reviewing venous ulcers to understand the cause and the characteristics so a proper diagnosis may be made. Typically venous stasis ulcers are characterized by distinct symptoms including: ruddy color, shallow depth, irregular margins surrounding wound, infection causing pain or discomfort, capillary refill and advanced skin temperature."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Baranoski, S. & Thimsen, K. (2003, Aug). "Oasis Skin and Wound Integumentary Assessment Items: Applying the WOCN Guidance Document." Home Healthcare Nurse, 21(8): Supplement 3-13.
• Baron, H.C., Wayne, M.G., Santiago, C.A. & Grossi, R. (2004, Sep-Oct). Vasc Endovascular Surg. 38(5): 439-42.
• Bianchi, B., Ballard, J.L., Abou-Zamzam, A.M. & Teruya, T.H. "Subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery combined with saphenous vein ablation: results and critical analysis." J Vasc Surg, 38(1): 67-71.
• Doughty, D., Ramundo, J., Bonham, P. Beitz, J, Erwin-Togh, P. Anderson, R. & Rolstad, B.S. (2006, Mar-Apr). "Issues and challenges in staging of pressure ulcers." J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs, 33(2): 125-30.
• Hiser, B., Rochette, J., Philbin, S., Lowerhouse, N., Terburgh, C. & Pietsch, C. (2006, Feb). "Implementing a pressure ulcer program and enhancing the role of the CWOCN: impact outcomes." Ostomy Wound Management, 52(2): 48-59.

More papers on Venous Stasis Ulcers:

• Research Paper # 112830 : "Treatment for Venous Leg Ulcers"
• Research Paper # 70038 : "Pressure Ulcers in Geriatric Patients"
• Term Paper # 100009 : "Pressure Ulcers"

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