Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Damaged or weakened venous valves allow blood to reflux and pool in the lower extremities. Sustained venous hypertension causes fluid transudation, hemosiderin deposition (brown staining), and chronic inflammatory changes that impair skin integrity and wound healing. Connect Venous Insufficiency to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. Boards reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.