Varicose veins: dilation of superficial veins of the legs and feet.
Etiology
- usually found in greater saphenous vein (leg)
- incompetent valves (incompetence, vavular) in the superficial veins
- increased pressure in veins causing them to distend
Risk Factors: standing for long periods, pregnancy
Assessment Findings
- pain after period of standing
- foot and ankle swelling at end of day
- distended leg veins
Management
- objective: to reduce pain and halt underlying condition
- medical: sclerotherapy (injection of sclerosing agent that causes vein thrombosis)
- surgical: vein ligation (Vein stripping)
Nursing interventions
- care of the client undergoing surgery
- post-operative care includes
- application of elastic stocking or bandages
- elevation of leg
- teach client not to cross legs
- elevate legs as much as possible
- avoid prolonged sitting or standing
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