Identifying immediate and necessary lower limb care
This resource has been developed to help nurses and primary care staff identify patients at risk of lower limb wounds and deliver safe, early interventions. It explains how to follow National Wound Care Strategy guidance, carry out red flag checks, start mild compression therapy when appropriate and educate patients on ongoing care. The aim is to prevent deterioration, reduce venous ulceration and improve patient outcomes.
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Available to RCN members
Who is this resource for?
This resource is aimed at nurses across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.What will this resource give me?
- Understand the wound care crisis in the UK.
- Identify patients at risk of poor lower limb health.
- Apply the three-point leg check.
- Follow National Wound Care Strategy guidance.
- Conduct a red flag assessment.
- Perform structured wound assessments.
- Deliver immediate care for lower limb wounds.
- Implement necessary care with mild compression.
- Educate patients on compression therapy.
- Recognise ongoing red flags during treatment.
Resource last reviewed
18 Dec 2025
Resource lead
Who is this resource for?
This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.
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;Downloaded content date
PDF created on: 8 Jan 2026.
Downloaded from: https://rcnlearn.rcn.org.uk/Search/Identifying-immediate-and-necessary-lower-limb-care.
Please check: https://rcnlearn.rcn.org.uk for a more up-to-date version of this content.Last reviewed: 18/12/2025
