Clinical Pathways for the 5 Wound Types
Choose a wound type to view the associated clinical pathways and guidelines.
Venous Ulcer Pathway
Venous Ulcer:
Venous leg ulcer presenting on lateral malleolus or medial aspect of lower leg
Venous leg ulcer presenting on lateral malleolus or medial aspect of lower leg
Step 1:
Determine treatment based on presentation:
- Wraps vs. stockings
- Other topical therapies
- If draining: cover with absorbent dressing, ABD pads, cling wrap and ace wrap from base of toes to base of knee
Step 2
Verify etiology, ABI:
- Refer to vascular, home care wound ostomy continence nurse (WOCN), or wound healing center
Step 3
Address nutrition and other host factors
Criteria for Vascular Referral
- Vascular ulcer that does not heal
- ABI below 0.7
- Inability to obtain ABI/TBI elsewhere
- Concern for PVD
- Diabetes
References
Bryant, R., & Nix, D. (2012). Lower-Extremity Ulcers of Vascular Etiology. Acute and chronic wounds: current management concepts 3rd ed., 262-265??. St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Elsevier.
Formosa, C. Screening for peripheral vascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes in Malta in a primary care practice. Quality in Primary Care, 2012, 409-14.
