Advanced Practice: Varicose Veins

Course overview

This course is for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Registered Nurses and other Interdisciplinary Health Team Members who are seeking autonomous practice or advanced certification continuing education credits. Varicose veins are a manifestation of chronic venous insufficiency. They are common in adults and they occur because of high venous pressure in the lower extremities. Varicose veins may be accompanied by or progress to more serious conditions such as edema, deep vein thrombosis, skin changes and ulcers in the lower extremities. There are various types of treatments for varicose veins that may begin with more conservative approaches such as the use of compression stockings, diet, leg elevation and other lifestyle changes. When indicated, varicose veins may be treated using outpatient procedures that include sclerotherapy, ablation or phlebectomy.