Comprehensive Report on Prevention and Management of Venous Leg Ulcers

This report examines the prevention and management of venous leg ulcers, a condition characterized by long-lasting wounds. It synthesizes research findings from various studies, including those by Finlayson & Edwards, Adderly & Thompson, Todd, and Heinen et al., to provide a comprehensive overview of effective interventions. The report emphasizes the importance of patient education, lifestyle adjustments, and the role of nurses in managing the condition. It highlights the significance of compression therapy, physical activity, and wound care in promoting healing and preventing recurrence. Additionally, the report discusses the impact of healthcare staff familiarity with the condition and the need for patient compliance with treatment recommendations. The report provides a detailed analysis of various strategies for managing venous leg ulcers.

Prevention and Management of Venous Leg Ulcers 1
Managing and Preventing Venous Leg Ulcers
Name
Institution

Prevention and Management of Venous Leg Ulcers 2
Nursing Intervention: Managing and Preventing Venous Leg Ulcers
Venous leg ulcer is a condition that is reportedly caused by wounds suffered by
individuals and last over a long duration of time (Finlayson & Edwards, 2015). Additionally,
they claim that the disease can be controlled but the success of achieving this prevention is based
on how the patient in question is willing and able to take precautions based on the information
given by physicians. Also, they claim that success in managing the condition is dependent
mainly on the ability of the patient to use to follow the right elevation angle to rest the leg as well
as being active. However, they found that compression therapy that is a wide-spread treatment
toll was not very effective in managing the condition. Finlayson and Edwards, (2015) claim that
the physical environment, as well as the angle in which the affected leg is placed during rest,
could also be significant in managing the disorder.
Adderly and Thompson (2016) carried out a survey on the importance of education in
handling cases related to venous ulcers. In their finding, they claim that trained nurses whether
they deal with general hospital conditions or they have specialized in the field may not cause
much difference in their ability to deal with the condition (Adderly & Thompson, 2016).
However, they insist that it is necessary for all individuals to carry out examinations at specific
intervals and hospitals ability to invest in nurses who are able to handle the condition may play
an important role in ensuring that patients are taken care of in the manner they are supposed to
(Adderly & Thompson).
Todd (2016) insists that although the condition has been spread across the population if
specific strategies are employed, can be prevented. He credits the severity of the condition to the
fact that only a small percentage of the affected individuals seek medical attention. Due to lack

Prevention and Management of Venous Leg Ulcers 3
of proper mechanisms to diagnose the condition, many patients of the same may spend long
durations in hospitals trying to remedy the condition which in turn has a negative impact on the
patient when they grow impatient (Todd, 2016). They also claim due to demographic issues such
as long live expectancy and poor lifestyle choices, chances of increase of the number of people
affected raises. Hospitals should encourage their staff to familiarize themselves with the
condition because they play a vital role in success in control of the same (Todd, 2016).
Consequently, the patient should be part of the management process such that they are provided
with the right information and tools to use during the journey to recovery which when correctly
followed, there is a higher chance of recovery as opposed to those who do not follow the
recommended self-medication procedures. In addition, they should be enlightened on a specific
day to day activity that may slow down recovery (Todd, 2016).
Engaging in physical leg activities as well as the already proven compression treatment is
a sure method of controlling the disease (Heinen et al 2012). As such, staying active is one of the
most crucial things people can practice to avoid or control the ailment. Given all the expected
procedures are properly laid out to the participating parties, it is necessary to determine whether
the participants follow them up as expected (Heinen et al). Report of this study showed that
compliance to all the treatment recommendations such as wearing the right attire, exercising the
legs and ensuring that wounds are treated within a short time has enhanced control of the
condition (Heinen et al 2012).

Prevention and Management of Venous Leg Ulcers 4
References
Adderley, U. J., & Thompson, C. (2016). A comparison of the management of venous leg
ulceration by specialist and generalist community nurses: A judgment analysis.
International journal of nursing studies, 53, 134-143.
Finlayson, K., Wu, M. L., & Edwards, H. E. (2015). Identifying risk factors and protective
factors for venous leg ulcer recurrence using a theoretical approach: a longitudinal study.
International journal of nursing studies, 52(6), 1042-1051.
Heinen, M., Borm, G., Van der Vleuten, C., Evers, A., Oostendorp, R., & Van Archterberg, T.
(2012). The Lively LEGS Self-management program increased physical activity and
reduced wound days in leg ulcer patients: Results from a randomized controlled trial.
International Journal of nursing studies, 49(2), 151-161.
Todd, M. (2016). Managing venous leg ulcers. Nurse prescribing, 14(1), 16-23.