Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What is hemosiderosis associated with in patients suffering from LEVD?

1. Increased fat deposition

2. Grayish/brown hyperpigmentation

3. Reduced blood flow to lower extremities

4. Formation of varicose veins

The correct answer is: Grayish/brown hyperpigmentation

Hemosiderosis is a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of hemosiderin, an iron-storing complex, in tissues. In patients suffering from lower extremity vascular disease (LEVD), this condition manifests as grayish or brown hyperpigmentation of the skin. This pigmentation often results from the breakdown of red blood cells, which can occur due to venous insufficiency and the subsequent leakage of blood and iron-rich components into the surrounding tissues. The accumulation of hemosiderin typically leads to this distinctive hyperpigmentation, particularly in areas where blood flow is compromised, underlining the relationship between hemosiderosis and chronic venous insufficiency. This clinical manifestation is crucial for identifying patients at risk of developing more serious complications related to chronic venous insufficiency and associated skin changes. In contrast, the other options do not adequately describe the typical features associated with hemosiderosis in the context of LEVD. Increased fat deposition and reduced blood flow pertain to different physiological changes rather than directly describing hemosiderosis. The formation of varicose veins is a related complication of venous insufficiency but does not pertain directly to the iron accumulation aspect of hemosiderosis.