Arteries and veins

Question 1

At what anatomical landmark does the subclavian artery become the axillary artery?

Answer 1

The border of the 1st rib

Question 2

At what anatomical landmark does the axillary artery become the brachial artery?

Answer 2

The inferior border of trees major

Question 3

What is Allen’s test?

Answer 3

Put one thumb over the radial and one over the ulnar artery. Ask the patient to make a tight fist. Press firmly down with both thumbs and hold for up to 10 seconds, then ask your patient to straighten their fingers. The palm will be blanched. Release the thumb over the radial artery to check for prompt flushing of the hand. Repeat the test but release the ulnar artery to check for the same flushing. Similar and equal flushing indicates adequate supply from both arteries

Question 4

How do you feel for the popliteal artery?

Answer 4

Ask the patient to bend their knee, then dig into the popliteal fossa with both hands

Question 5

How do you palpate the abdominal aorta?

Answer 5

Using both hands held horizontally with your fingers pointing medially, place your fingers gently either side of the midline above the umbilicus and push down until you can feel the pulse

Question 6

Where do you palpate the femoral pulse?

Answer 6

At the midinguinal point

Question 7

Where do you palpate the posterior tibial pulse?

Answer 7

Approximately 1/3 of the distance from the medial malleolus to the heel, just posteriorly

Question 8

Where do you palpate the dorsals pedis pulse?

Answer 8

Just lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon in the mid foot

Question 9

What 2 anatomical landmarks does the great saphenous vein run between?

Answer 9

It runs from the medial malleolus up to near the head of the femur

Question 10

What are the 2 main veins used for venipuncture?

Answer 10

The cephalic and median cubital veins

Question 11

What are the 2 main superficial veins of the lower limb?

Answer 11

The great and small saphenous veins

Question 12

How are the saphenous veins sometimes used clinically?

Answer 12

CABG

Question 13

In what order are the femoral artery, nerve and vein from laterally to medially?

Answer 13

NAV

Question 14

What is the normal temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure for a healthy adult?

Answer 14

36.5-37.5ºC
60-100BPM
12-16 breaths per minute
≥94% saturation, or ≥80% if they have lung problems
Systolic BP of 100-140, and diastolic BP of 60-90