CV System and Disorders: Week 4 Venous System Flashcards
Mechanisms by which acquired and inherited risk factors predispose to VTE.
Virchow’s Triad
What are the 3 factors that make up Virchow’s Triad
- venous stasis
- activation of blood coagulation
- Vein damage
Swollen, twisted veins that lie just under the skin and usually occur in the legs
Varicose veins
What causes varicose veins?
- Weak/damaged vein walls/valves
2. Can form whenever blood pressure increases inside your veins.
Why do pts get varicose veins?
standing and walking upright (increases the pressure in the veins of your lower body)
Are varicose veins painful?
Some some people no and others yes
Prevention of varicose veins
- Exercising
- Watching your weight
- Eating a high-fiber, low-salt diet
- Avoiding high heels and tight hosiery
- Elevating your legs
- Changing your sitting or standing position regularly
Complications of varicose veins
- Ulcers
- Blood clots
- Bleeding
Inflammatory process that causes a blood clot to form and block one or more veins,
Thrombophlebitis
Where does Thrombophlebitis usually occur?
Legs
Types of Thrombophlebitis
- superficial thrombophlebitis
2. deep within a muscle (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT)
Causes of Thrombophlebitis
- trauma
- surgery
- prolonged inactivity
How is Thrombophlebitis treated?
blood-thinning medications
S&S of Thrombophlebitis (DVT)
Pain
Swelling
Is Thrombophlebitis an emergency?
It can be if a clot travels to your lungs (pulmonary embolism)
S&S of pulmonary embolism
- SOB
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
Condition that occurs when the venous wall and/or valves in the leg veins are not working effectively, making it difficult for blood to return to the heart from the legs
chronic venous insufficiency
What does chronic venous insufficiency cause to happen in veins?
Blood to “pool” or collect in these veins (stasis)
Why does stasis occur in chronic venous insufficiency?
- valves are damaged, allowing the blood to leak backward
What causes damaged vein valves?
- aging
2. reduced mobility
What is chronic venous insufficiency often a cause of?
DVT
S&S of chronic venous insufficiency
- Swelling if lower legs/ankles (esp. after standing for awhile)
- Aching or tiredness in the legs
- New varicose veins
- Leathery-looking skin on the legs
- Flaking/itching skin on the legs/feet
- Stasis ulcers
Complications of chronic venous insufficiency
- local tissue inflammation 2. internal tissue damage.
- ulcers
- open sores on skin
- Unhealing ulcers become infected.
- When the infection is not controlled, it can spread to surrounding tissue (cellulitis)
A wound on the leg or ankle caused by abnormal or damaged veins
Venous Ulcers
Cause of Venous Ulcers
- damage to the valves inside the leg veins
- sustained venous hypertension (too much pressure on veins)
- Varicose veins
- CVI
Prevention of Venous Ulcers
- Smoking
- Diet
- Exercise
- Move around often
- Raise legs for a short time (esp if you’ve been standing all day)
- Compression stockings
Long-term condition that causes inflammation, ulcers, and itchy skin on the lower legs d/t venous blood flow problems.
Status Dermatitis
Risk factors for Status Dermatitis
- varicose veins
- DVT
- CHF
- Surgery
Early symptoms of stasis dermatitis
- irritated skin (red, itchy, or swollen)
- sensation of fullness, heaviness, or aching after extended periods of standing or walking
- swelling on the inside of the lower leg and ankle, (after standing for long)
Late symptoms of stasis dermatitis
- swelling that spreads into the calves
- red or purple ulcers that may ooze or scab
- shiny, swollen skin
- itchy, dry, and cracked skin
Complications of stasis dermatitis
- Ulcers
- Abscesses
- Cellulitis
- osteomyelitis (bone infection)
Treatment of stasis dermatitis
- Compression stockings
- Elevate legs
- Corticosteroids
- topical calcineurin inhibitors
- Antihistamines
- Antibiotics
applying - Emollients
Obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS)
Who gets Superior Vena Cava Syndrome?
Most common in malignant disease processes of the thorax
What causes Superior Vena Cava Syndrome?
Tumor obstructs SVC, and occludes it
Is Superior Vena Cava Syndrome an emergency?
Yes
S&S of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
- Swelling of your face, neck, upper body, and arms
- Trouble breathing or SOB
- Coughing
What causes face swelling in uperior Vena Cava Syndrome?
Pressure in the veins & face, which leads to a buildup of fluid
Blood Filled Tumor from peripheral system
Hemangioma
What does a Hemangioma look like?
- bright red birthmark
2. rubbery bump
Who gets a Hemangioma?
found at birth or within 1-2 week of life
What is a Hemangioma made of?
made up of extra blood vessels in the skin
Life of a Hemangioma
- First year-red mark grows rapidly into a spongy, rubbery-looking bump that 2. Rest phase-begins to slowly disappear
- Many disappear by age 5, & most by age 10
- Skin may be slightly discolored or raised after it goes away
Where on the body are Hemangiomas found
Anywhere but most commonly on
- face
- scalp
- chest
- back
