Master Chronic Venous Insufficiency (Venous Stasis Ulcer) Interventions with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Patients should avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time, where the leg is in a dependent position. This promotes pooling of venous blood and exaggerates venous insufficiency. Avoiding prolonged sitting and standing positions and elevating the legs above the level of the heart reduces edema.

Compression stockings are essential for chronic venous insufficiency treatment. These come in various forms, including elastic support bandages, velcro wraps, sequential compression devices, and multilayer compression bandages. Be sure to assess the peripheral pulses prior to applying any type of compression therapy.

Bilayer artificial skin, Orcel or Apligraf, is used with compression therapy to promote healing more than a simple dressing with compression. Grafts can also be used to replace damaged skin.

Daflon is a more advanced therapy, which is an oral multivitamin. It is a micronized purified flavonoid fraction, which helps ulcer healing and is given with compression therapy.

Use of proper wound dressings helps to heal these ulcers and prevents their recurrence. These can be antimicrobial dressings, but can be hydrocolloid dressings, or dressings that are applied with hydrogel.

Patients should have proper foot and leg care to avoid additional trauma. Lotions should be applied to moisturize the skin, which also helps to prevent itching and cracking of the skin. Clean dressings should be used, and products with additives should be avoided in order to prevent venous dermatitis.