Practical nursing measures for vascular compromise in the lower leg

Among the many factors that contribute to a nonhealing wound, circulatory compromise is a dominant variable. Regardless of whether the circulatory compromise is arterial or venous, the patient should be educated and supported in their efforts to quit smoking, minimize stress, achieve ideal body weight, limit fats in their diet, keep underlying disorders within check, and avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can maximize their tissue perfusion when nurses help them implement a few basic strategies into their lifestyles. Patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) need to apply counterpressure and combat gravity to reduce venous hypertension, without which healing will not occur. When resources are limited, nurses can bridge the gap through coordination of care, patient teaching and support.