Exam 2 - PAD & Venous Insufficiency Flashcards
partial or total arterial occlusion decreasing perfusion to the extremities, usually the lower extremities
peripheral artery disease (PAD)
cause of PAD
chronic condition resulting from systemic atherosclerosis
s/s of PAD
(1) weak or absent pedal pulses
(2) Prolonged cap refill
(3) pain
(4) skin hairless, shiny, dry, cool
(5) pallor on elevation and cyanotic in dependent position
(6) intermittent claudication
the biggest priority for PAD is ____
to improve perfusion
what are the 4 big buckets of treatment for PAD?
(1) treat underlying causes to improve perfusion
(2) exercise
(3) promote vasodilation
(4) medication
stress, caffeine, and nicotine all cause ___ and should be avoided
vasoconstriction
which medication class is used for PAD?
antiplatelet agents
two examples of antiplatelet agents used in the treatment of PAD are ____
aspirin, clopidogrel
prolonged venous hypertension that stretches the veins and damages the valves
venous insufficiency
the main cause of venous insufficiency is ____
conditions that impact venous return
examples that cause decreased venous return
(1) DVT
(2) decreased skeletal muscle pump
(3) increased ABD pressure
(4) sedentary lifestyle
s/s of venous insufficiency
(1) pitting edema
(2) eczema / dermatitis
(3) ulcer discomfort
(4) hyperpigmentation (brown / darkening)
(5) pedal pulses present
(6) ABI WNL
where is PAD typically found on the body?
usually on the toes
where is venous insufficiency typically found on the body?
malleolus medialis
the biggest priority for venous insufficiency is _____
to promote venous return
what are the main treatment options for venous insufficiency? (4)
(1) decrease edema
(2) protect the skin / prevent infection
(3) patient education
(4) unna boot
what is an unna boot?
dressing with gauze and zinc oxide that hardens to promote venous return
people with venous insufficiency should avoid ____ clothing
restrictive
the two types of compression socks are ___ and ___
Teds and Jobst
which type of compression sock requires a prescription?
Jobst
Teds provides what level of compression?
8-18 mmHg
Jobst provides what level of compression?
15-20 mmHg
what is the most important thing when using compression socks?
Getting the right size so the socks stay up
____ result from edema or minor injury to the limb
stasis ulcers
what are some nursing interventions that can help with venous insufficiency?
(1) work with wound specialist to coordinate at-home care
(2) teach that compression stockings should be worn for life
(3) work with PT and RDN re: weight reduction
what are the 4 stages of PAD?
stage 1 - asymptomatic
stage 2 - claudication
stage 3 - rest pain
stage 4 - necrosis / gangrene
the most sensitive indicator of arterial function is _____
the quality of the posterior tibial pulses
what position should you avoid for PAD and why?
raising the legs above heart level because extreme elevation can slow arterial blood flow to the feet
