Can wound care nurses answer this ?

[TigerxLiLy]

1. What is your system in getting the MD to give dx of stasis,diabetic,arterial ulcers? (Do you have a form u fill out for the MD with determining except and symptoms?)

2. Do you get the MD to dx pressure ulcers as well?(seems like my facility has not and heard we are suppose to..)

Thanks in advance!

[TigerxLiLy]

*Determinig dx and symptoms that he can just sign to agree

[LTCRN4LIFE]

RN's stage pressure ulcers. Many Physicians comfortable in their own skin will tell you this is not their expertise or focus they rely on the Nurses for this direction.

As far as determining whether it is pressure vs PVD related ulcer. Gather the assessment and present....having said that I would also suggest if you want it to be deemed PVD related you point that out in the beginning so he/she doesn't fault to the easier "pressure ulcer" dx.

[ontheway2crna]

I would ask the doctor to assess stasis ulcers and arterial ulcers because there may need to be a vascular consult ordered with additional testing needed, ie ABIs. For PUs , (Always on a bony prominence) if they are a stage 3 or 4 I would ask for a wound care consult from the dr or tell them you requested one, whatever the policy is and however your system works. When the wound care nurse writes their note with recommendations, tell the doctor per their note , they recommend this and that, could you please order that? It is within the nurses' scope of practice to stage PUs. If you are unsure of how to stage, ask a reliable resource nurse for help.

[No Stars In My Eyes]

And always include measurements, exact descriptions and any changes in your documentation!