What is the shape and depth of ulcers in arterial insufficiency?

• A. Irregular and shallow
• B. Circular and shallow
• C. Circular and deep
• D. Oval and superficial

Answer: (C)

Arterial insufficiency ulcers come from reduced blood flow, so tissue dies from lack of oxygen and nutrients. This tends to create a wound with a punched-out, circular shape and a relatively deep bed, because the ischemia allows tissue loss to progress inward rather than spreading outward. The edges are well defined and the base is often pale or necrotic with little healthy granulation tissue. This contrasts with venous ulcers, which are usually shallow and irregular, and neuropathic ulcers, which are often located at pressure points. So the best description is circular and deep.