Final answer:
The practitioner should evaluate the severity of the client's lower leg varicose veins and recommend treatment ranging from conservative measures like compression stockings to more invasive options like surgery, depending on the case severity.
Step-by-step explanation:
When addressing a client's lower legs that have bluish, thick, and distended areas, indicative of varicose veins, the practitioner should first evaluate the severity of the condition. For less serious cases of varicose veins, conservative measures such as regular leg elevation, avoidance of prolonged standing or sitting, and the use of graduated compression stockings are recommended. More serious cases may warrant non-surgical interventions like sclerotherapy or endovenous thermal ablation, wherein medicine or heat is used to cause the veins to shrink and collapse. If these options are ineffective or unsuitable, surgery such as vein stripping or ambulatory phlebectomy might be necessary. It's crucial for the practitioner to inform the client of the potential risks and benefits of each treatment option so they can make an informed decision.