Question

In 100 words or more, please explain why elevating the legs of a patient diagnosed with venous insufficiency is an appropriate nursing intervention?

Answer 1

Description

Venous insufficiency-it results from prolonged venous hypertension,which stretches the veins and damages the valves.The resultant edema and venous stasis cause venous stasis ulcers ,swelling and cellulitis.Treatment focuses on decreasing edema and promoting venous return from the affected extremity.

Elevating legs relieves symptoms of varicose veins and lymphedema as well as prevent deep vein thrombosis from occuring.Sedenteray life style is the major reason for the disease to occur other than hereditary or sitting and standing occupations.Long periods of immobility can harm circulation resulting in blood clots,spider veins and swelling.elevating the legs improves blood circulation .

Interventions

For venous insufficiency ,leg elevation is usually prescribed to assist with the return of blood to the heart.

• Instruct the client to wear elastic or compression stockings during the day and evening as prescribed(instruct the client to put on elastic stockings on awakening before getting out of bed).
• Advise the client to put on a clean pair of elastic stockings each day,it will probably be necessary to wear the stockings for the reminder of the life.
• Instruct the client to avoid prolonged sitting or standing,constrictive clothing or crossing legs when seated.
• Instruct the client to elevate the legs for 10 to20 minutes every few hours each day.
• Instruct the client to elevate the legs above the level of the heart when in bed.
• Instruct the client in the use of an intermittent sequential pneumatic compression system,if prescribed.
• Instruct the client to apply the compression system twice daily for 1hour in the morning and in the evening
• Advice the client with an open ulcer that the compression system is applied over a dressing.