Patient teaching, instruct the patient to do the following several times a day:
Lie flat on a bed with both legs elevated above the level of the heart for two to three minutes.
Next sit on the edge of the bed with the legs dependent for three minutes
Then exercise the feet and toes by moving them up, down, inward, then outward.
Lastly, return to the first position and hold for five minutes.
Provide for ulcer debridement and healing
Remove dead or damaged material from the wound, using wet-to-dry dressing with saline solution and coarse-mesh gauze filled with cotton.
Use whirlpool therapy to debride the ulcer bed.
Consider using an enzymatic debrider to aid removal of debris.
Provide additional intervention to promote venous return and healing, maximize comfort and provide client education for measures to prevent venous stasis ulcer.
Administer medications which may include antibiotics.
The patient is encouraged to make the lifestyle changes necessitated by the onset of a chronic disease, including pain management and modifications in diet, activity, and hygiene (skin care).
The nurse assists the patient in developing and implementing a plan to stop using tobacco.
