Ch. 21: Peripheral Vascular System and Lymphatic System

Question 1

Which statement is true regarding the arterial system?
a. Arteries are large-diameter vessels.
b. The arterial system is a high-pressure system.
c. The walls of arteries are thinner than those of the veins.
d. Arteries can greatly expand to accommodate a large blood volume increase.

Answer 1

b. The arterial system is a high-pressure system.

Question 2

The nurse is reviewing the blood supply to the arm. The major artery supplying the arm is the _____ artery.
a. ulnar
b. radial
c. brachial
d. deep palmar

Answer 2

c. brachial

Question 3

The nurse is preparing to assess the dorsalis pedis artery. Where is the correct location for palpation?
a. Behind the knee
b. Over the lateral malleolus
c. In the groove behind the medial malleolus
d. Lateral to the extensor tendon of the great toe

Answer 3

d. Lateral to the extensor tendon of the great toe

Question 4

A 65-year-old patient is experiencing pain in his left calf when he exercises that disappears after resting for a few minutes. The nurse recognizes that this description is most consistent with _______ the left leg.
a. V enous obstruction of
b. Claudication due to venous abnormalities in
c. Ischemia caused by a partial blockage of an artery supplying
d. Ischemia caused by the complete blockage of an artery supplying

Answer 4

c. Ischemia caused by a partial blockage of an artery supplying

Question 5

The nurse is reviewing venous blood flow patterns. Which of these statements best describes the mechanism(s) by which venous blood returns to the heart?
a. Intraluminal valves ensure unidirectional flow toward the heart.
b. Contracting skeletal muscles milk blood distally toward the veins.
c. High-pressure system of the heart helps facilitate venous return.
d. Increased thoracic pressure and decreased abdominal pressure facilitate venous return to the heart.

Answer 5

a. Intraluminal valves ensure unidirectional flow toward the heart.

Question 6

Which vein(s) is(are) responsible for most of the venous return in the arm?
a. deep
b. ulnar
c. subclavian
d. superficial

Answer 6

d. superficial

Question 7

A 70-year-old patient is scheduled for open-heart surgery. The surgeon plans to use the great saphenous vein for the coronary bypass grafts. The patient asks, What happens to my circulation when this vein is removed? The nurse should reply:
a. Venous insufficiency is a common problem after this type of surgery.
b. Oh, you have lots of veinsyou wont even notice that it has been removed.
c. You will probably experience decreased circulation after the vein is removed.
d. This vein can be removed without harming your circulation because the deeper veins in your leg are in good condition.

Answer 7

d. This vein can be removed without harming your circulation because the deeper veins in your leg are in good condition.

Question 8

The nurse is reviewing the risk factors for venous disease. Which of these situations best describes a person at highest risk for the development of venous disease?
a. Woman in her second month of pregnancy
b. Person who has been on bed rest for 4 days
c. Person with a 30-year, 1 pack per day smoking habit
d. Older adult taking anticoagulant medication

Answer 8

b. Person who has been on bed rest for 4 days