Chapter 26: Care of the Adult with a Vascular Condition
David is 63 years old and has recently developed a sore on his left leg after bumping it against the car door. He is a taxi driver and works five days per week, with long periods of time spent driving. He is a smoker but likes to go for a walk when he has some spare time. He also likes to cook and enjoys a well-balanced diet. He enjoys spending time with his wife and grandchildren at the weekends. He is a little concerned as the sore on his leg does not seem to be getting any better and he has made an appointment to see his GP. His GP has advised that the sore on his leg requires a dressing and has referred David to the treatment room nurse.
Question
- What treatment and advice would you recommend for David in order to promote the sore on his leg to heal?
Answer
Possible response should include the following:
- Holistic assessment carried out and documented
- Wound assessment carried out and documented
- ABPI measured and recorded
- Application of appropriate dressing and compression therapy dependent on ABPI measurement
- Smoking cessation advice and support/referral
- Dietary assessment/BMI/carried out and documented and support/referral/provision of supporting literature/websites/web-based materials
- Exercise advice and provision of supporting literature/websites/web-based materials
- Discussion in regard to occupation and reasonable measures to promote healing and recovery
- Return appointment and contact number
- Possible referral depending on progression of healing for further investigations.
