My client has edema swelling in the foot and calve. I noticed there was a wound on her calve which was leaking edema fluid, is this worthy of a doctors visit?
Also how do I properly care for the wound, what type of bandages if any, creams etc. should I continue to keep on compression socks?
12 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
These fluids tends to break down the skin, which can lead to ulcerating sores and life-threatening infections/sepsis. This is a serious condition that should not be left untreated.
In the meantime, try to place absorbent bandages to absorb the fluid and change them frequently. If you have nothing else, you may be able to re-purpose diaper-doublers (e.g., Abri-Let) or even cut-up disposable diapers). Wrap gauze around these to keep them in place, and tape securely. Do NOT scrub the area to clean it as this can cause skin abrasions; in general, pat the area dry and do not scrub or wipe it.
Compression sox may reduce the weeping, if tolerated. Keeping the feet elevated also helps reduce the weeping.
They cleaned her up and gave her a prescription for a saline would cleaner and a lot of guaze and pads. I cleaned her legs every morning, put on 20-30 compression socks and at the end of the day, I removed the socks and cleaned her legs again with the saline wound care spray.
I am having her move around more often too.
I took her back for her follow up appointment and the leaking stopped. They told her she will probably have to wear compression socks from now on.
I was moisturizing her legs before this happened and they told me to stop it.
She has an appoinment for PT, but they are so backed up. I am making he keep her feet above her heat for 30 minutes twice per day as instructed.
If they took her off the amlodipine, the problem would go away, but amlodipine keeps her BP down better than anything.
ADVERTISEMENT
They cleaned her up and gave her a prescripeion for a saline would cleaner and a lot of guaze and pads. I cleaned her legs every morning, put on 20-30 compression socks and at the end of the day, I removed the socks and cleaned her legs again with the saline wound care spray.
I took her back for her follow up appointment and the leaking stopped. They told her she will probably have to wear compression socks from now on.
She has an appoinment for PT, but they are so backed up.
My aunt died of this condition; she was experiencing weeping wounds from her legs. Home care wrapped her legs to the point that she looked like a hockey player, and it did help control the weeping, but apparently the wounds became infected, the infection surged through her body and she died the same night that she was admitted to the hospital.
This is a dangerous situation; kudos to you for reaching out for help for your client.
The wounds can become infected.
the skin can breakdown more.
If you are working for an agency this should be reported. If working for the client privately is there someone that is POA if the client needs a POA?
If not then tell the client that you are concerned and for her health and safety she needs to contact her doctor. If the doctor does not want to see her right away I would take a trip to the Urgent Care. they may tell you there that this is something that should be taken care of in the ER.
I ended up learning how to do a 4 layer compression wrap, as I had to change the dressings on the 4 days a week he didn't go to wound care.
Also, elevate the foot of you client's bed 4 to 6 inches. That was what finally turned the corner for my husband. Good luck.