Master Chronic Venous Insufficiency (Venous Stasis Ulcer) Assessment with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Ulcers with this disorder form over time, with edges that have thick, hardened, and contracted skin. Characteristically, venous ulcers have uneven edges.

The venous stasis ulcers seen in patients with chronic venous insufficiency present with dull persistent pain. These are especially painful when the ulcer is on the foot and edema or infection is present, or if the foot is in a dependent position. Thus, elevating the legs can alleviate pain.

Clinically, venous stasis ulcers are seen around the medial malleolus, and patients have skin and subcutaneous tissue changes in these areas. The ankle tissues are replaced with fibrous tissue, giving a thick and hardened appearance.

Patients with chronic venous insufficiency can have ulcers which are necrotic and nonhealing. If these wounds persist and increase in severity, with the wound becoming bigger and deeper, amputation may be needed.

As arterial flow is still maintained in chronic venous insufficiency, patients have normal pulses. However, these may be difficult to palpate, if edema is present in the patient.

Due to decreased venous flow, patients develop lower extremity edema. The presence of edema can exacerbate the pain in patients with venous stasis ulcers.

In chronic venous insufficiency, individuals can have leathery lower legs that have a bronze-brown pigmentation. This occurs due to hemosiderin deposition and is typically seen around the ankles.

Though venous flow is compromised, arterial flow is not. Thus, patients have warm lower extremities, and even the areas of skin affected by ulceration are warm to the touch.

“Stasis dermatitis” is a condition that may develop with venous insufficiency, which resembles eczema. A common complaint is itching, or pruritus, with the development of this condition.