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Assessment and Management of Venous Leg Ulcers
Prevalence Study: A prevalence study is defined as the number of cases of a disease in
a population at a given point in time. This survey represents a ‘snapshot’ of the pressure ulcer
population. It measures the presence or existence of pressure ulcers (admitted and hospital
acquired) on the day of the survey with the population that is currently being managed by an
organization.
Proliferation: To produce new growth or offspring rapidly, to multiply.
Purpura: Any of several bleeding disorders characterized by hemorrhaging into tissue
particularly beneath the skin or with atrophie blanche.
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Purulent Discharge/Drainage: A product of inflammation that contains pus – e.g.,
cells (leukocytes, bacteria) and liquefied necrotic debris.
Qualitative Data: Information that describes the nature or qualities of a subject.
Quantitative Data: Information that describes the characteristics of a subject in numerical
or quantitative terms.
Reactive Hyperemia: Reddening of the skin caused by blood rushing back into
ischemic tissue.
Recalcitrant: Disobedient, resisting authority or discipline.
Resting Pressure: Pressure exerted by the contracting bandage onto the tissue and the
relaxed muscle.
Sepsis: The presence of various pus-forming and other pathogenic organisms or their toxins,
in the blood or tissues. Clinical signs of blood-borne sepsis include fever, tachycardia,
hypotension, leukocytosis, and a deterioration in mental status. The same organism is often
isolated in the both the blood and the pressure ulcer.
Seroma: A collection of serum/plasma within a wound.