Lower extremity venous disorders: implications for nursing practice.

Lower extremity chronic venous disorders are significant and common causes of vascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Venous ulcer relapse rates are as high as 72% and account for approximately 80% to 90% of all lower extremity ulcers. Venous disorders, much like arterial disease, are often progressive and chronic in nature, resulting in enormous economic and human costs in terms of treatment, pain, and suffering. Individuals with skin changes are at high risk of recurrent leg ulcers, which negatively affect the quality of life for both the individual and the family. Prevention efforts should target anatomical vein dysfunction, edema, and skin changes to prevent leg ulcers. This article presents an overview of both clinical and laboratory assessments of lower extremity chronic venous disorders, including descriptions of the risks and pathogenesis for differential diagnosis and implications for nursing.