Nursing Care Plan for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. They are most common in the legs and ankles. They usually aren't serious, but they can sometimes lead to other problems.

In normal veins, valves in the vein keep blood moving forward toward the heart. With varicose veins, the valves do not function properly, allowing blood to stay in the vein. Blood that pools causes the vein to swell.

This process usually occurs in the veins of the legs, although it may occur in other parts of the body. Varicose veins are common, but they usually affect women.

Causes include:

• Defective valves from birth (congenitally defective valves)
• Pregnancy
• Thrombophlebitis

Standing for a long time and having increased pressure in the abdomen may lead to varicose veins, or may make the condition worse.

Varicose veins look dark blue, swollen, and twisted under the skin. Some people do not have any symptoms. Mild symptoms may include:

• Heaviness, burning, aching, tiredness, or pain in your legs. Symptoms may be worse after you stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Swelling in your feet and ankles.
• Itching over the vein.

More serious symptoms include:

• Leg swelling.
• Swelling and calf pain after you sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Skin changes, such as: Color changes, Dry, thinned skin, Inflammation, Scaling.
• Open sores, or you may bleed after a minor injury.

Home treatment may be all you need to ease your symptoms and keep the varicose veins from getting worse. You can:

• Wear compression stockings pop out .
• Prop up (elevate) your legs.
• Avoid long periods of sitting or standing.
• Get plenty of exercise.

If you need treatment or you are concerned about how the veins look, your options may include:

• Sclerotherapy to close off the vein.
• Laser treatment to destroy the vein.
• Radiofrequency treatment to close off the vein.
• Surgery to tie off or remove the vein.

Nursing Care Plan for Varicose Veins

Assessment for Varicose Veins

1. Assess the degree and type of pain.
2. The level of activity, movement disorders: the causes, signs, symptoms and effects of movement disorders.
3. Assess the quality of peripheral pulses.
4. Temperature changes in both lower limbs.
5. Check the edema and the degree of edema, especially in both lower limbs.
6. Assess nutritional status.
7. History of previous disease-related.

Nursing Diagnosis for Varicose Veins

1. Acute pain related to tissue ischemia secondary.
2. Impaired skin integrity related to vascular insufficiency.
3. Impaired physical mobility related to activity limitations due to pain.
4. Imbalanced Nutrition, Less Than Body Requirements related to increased metabolic needs.
5. Disturbed Body Image related to varicose veins.