Patient was instructed regarding complications of varicose veins as follows:
- Redness and itching of skin at the site of distended veins, secondary to inflammation, can often lead to sites of bleeding on the lower extremities
- Poor healing at these sites of bleeding, secondary to poor oxygenation of blood, with continuing increased distention of veins, can result in venous ulcer formation.
- Increased blood pooling in the lower extremities can result in episodes of reduced oxygen rich blood supply to the brain, thus leading to episodes confusion, disorientation, difficulty concentrating, and syncope. This increased confusion and disorientation can contribute significantly to falls and accidents in senior citizens.
