Chronic wounds & PAD (pAVK) in the Kenntnisprüfung
Reliably distinguishing venous leg ulcer (Ulcus cruris venosum), arterial leg ulcer (Ulcus cruris arteriosum) and diabetic foot syndrome – because the treatment is opposite. The most important exam trap: compression only for a venous cause!
Content created with AI assistance from public clinical sources (RKI, AWMF) – may contain mistakes; if in doubt, your textbook is right
Translated from the German original, which is authoritative. The exam itself is in German.
Sample questions from exam preparation
When is a wound considered chronic?
- If after 3 days it is still weeping or slightly reddened despite dressing changes
- If it does not heal after about 8 weeks despite proper care
- Only if it is still infected after 6 months despite antibiotic therapy
- If after 2 weeks it is not yet completely covered with a scab
Explanation: The 8-week rule defines the chronic wound. Consequence: search for the cause (venous? arterial? diabetic? pressure?) — without causal therapy, no chronic wound heals.
Why is compression the basic measure for a venous leg ulcer?
- It fixes the wound dressing and protects the ulcer from knocks and dirt
- It improves the arterial blood flow to the leg and thus the oxygen supply
- It tackles the cause: the venous congestion — without compression, no healing
- It keeps the wound dry, so that a protective scab forms faster
Explanation: The venous ulcer is caused by chronic congestion. Compression treats the cause; the wound dressing only the symptom. Rule out impaired arterial blood flow first (ABI/doctor’s order).
Key German terms for Chronic wounds & PAD (pAVK)
- die chronische Wunde – chronic wound
- das Ulcus cruris (venosum) – venous leg ulcer
- die pAVK / die Schaufensterkrankheit – peripheral arterial disease
- der diabetische Fuß / das diabetische Fußsyndrom – diabetic foot syndrome
- der Wundrand / die Wundumgebung – wound edge / surrounding skin
20 exam questions on Chronic wounds & PAD (pAVK), plus case simulations with an AI examiner and graded feedback – practise until you feel confident.
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