Improper Nursing Home Care Can Cause or Aggravate Venous Ulcers

 Posted on March 17, 2021 in Neglect

Venous ulcers or stasis leg ulcers often occur on the legs on individuals with limited mobility or circulation issues. These wounds are not only painful and unsightly, they can also become infected and put the sufferer at serious risk of health complications. Nursing home staff should be watchful for the signs of venous ulcers when caring for residents. If a resident does develop a venous ulcer, the wound must be properly cared for. Failure to provide proper medical treatment to a resident suffering from venous ulcers can lead to dangerous infections and agonizing pain.  

Symptoms of Venous Ulcers

When circulation problems cause blood to pool in the legs, venous ulcers can form. Individuals who have varicose veins are at an increased risk of developing venous ulcers. Other risk factors include obesity, lack of physical exercise, and immobility. Keeping a nursing home resident’s legs elevated above his or her heart may help slow the development of venous ulcers. If the resident is able to do so safely, moving around and getting moderate exercise can also help prevent these painful wounds.

Symptoms of venous ulcers include:

• Swelling of the leg
• Cramps and aches
• Itchiness and tingling feelings on the leg
• Discoloration
• Skin that is hot to the touch

One of the most important responsibilities nursing home staff have to residents is to recognize signs of health problems like venous ulcers.

How to Treat Venous Ulcers

There are several treatments that can prevent venous ulcers from worsening. Compression stockings are commonly used to stop blood from pooling in the legs. If the wound is open, it must be cleaned frequently. Staff should regularly apply topical medication and fresh dressings to the wound. The resident may also require oral antibiotic medication. In extreme cases, a venous ulcer may require skin graft surgery. Failure to properly treat venous ulcers can lead to infections that may even spread to the resident’s bone or bloodstream. If a resident suffers aggravated health concerns due to inadequate medical care, unsanitary conditions, or other forms of nursing home neglect, the nursing home may be liable for damages.

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

Nursing home staff must take steps to recognize and treat resident health concerns. Ignoring a venous ulcer can lead to needless pain and suffering. It can also lead to life-threatening infections. If your loved one has suffered new or worsening medical conditions due to poor care at a nursing home, contact a Cook County nursing home injury attorney at Schwartz Injury Law. You may be able to hold the nursing home accountable and recover monetary damages through a nursing home neglect lawsuit. Call 312-535-4625 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/venous-ulcers