Assessment of lymphoedema of the lower limbs by the community nurse.
Community nurses are increasingly at the frontline in supporting patients in the management of long-term conditions. They are therefore likely to be involved in identifying and providing care for people who are affected by lymphoedema. Community practitioners will need to develop the skills to recognize patients who have, or are at risk for developing, lymphoedema. Aspects of the nursing assessment of lymphoedema include taking a detailed history and conducting a comprehensive physical and psychosocial assessment of the impact of this condition. The assessment is multifaceted and will often require intervention from other members of the multidisciplinary team.
Doherty
Debra
D
Thames Valley University, London. debra.doherty@tbu.ac.uk
D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors