Problem: Mr. Vicar has been visiting the clinic for more than a month. He visits weekly for follow-up care for a chronic venous stasis ulcer of the left leg. The nurse's note at the time of his first visit contained the following information: "Ulcer with irregular margins, 4?cm wide by 5?cm long, approximately 0.5?cm deep, draining foul-smelling purulent yellowish drainage. Subcutaneous tissue visible. Skin around ulcer, brownish rust in colour. Zinc oxide and calamine gauze applied to ulcer; elastic wrap bandage applied to gauze. Client instructed to return in 1 week." The stated goal is "Wound will demonstrate healing within 4 weeks."
- As the nurse who is caring for the client on the follow-up visit, what expected outcomes would you anticipate for this goal?
- What evaluative measures would you use to determine whether the wound is healing?