Journal of vascular nursing : official publication of the Society for Peripheral Vascular Nursing
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Obesity is a chronic disease that is linked to the presence of numerous chronic illnesses, including venous disease. Venous disease can lead to chronic wounds, which may be exacerbated by vitamin, mineral, and macro-nutritional deficiencies. A cross-sectional observational design was used to examine the nutritional status of patients with chronic venous leg ulcers (VLUs) who are overweight or obese and to explore the relationship between nutritional status and severity of venous ulceration. ⋯ Overweight and obese patients with VLU show nutritional deficits that are similar to those of the broader population of patients with leg ulcers. The relationships found between vitamins A and C and leg ulcer severity warrant further exploration. The nutritional differences in the study need to be examined in a larger sample of overweight and normal-weight patients to determine whether overweight patients are at greater risk for prolonged VLU because of poor nutrition than non-overweight patients.
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Peripheral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with endovascular stent is a procedure to improve the symptoms of claudication caused by peripheral vascular disease. There is evidence to show that upward of 30% of patients seek further intervention for recurring symptoms in 1 year. ⋯ The Synergy Model is useful to develop a relationship between the patient and the nurse that promotes a lifestyle change. The outlined patient who underwent peripheral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and the nurse characteristics within the Synergy Model lend themselves to frame a short, intense hospital stay inclusive of thorough, patient-centered teaching.