Impaired Peripheral Circulation Complimentary Alternative Treatment Flashcards
What is peripheral arterial disease?
occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries causing them to harden and narrow, which is known as athersclerosis
Signs and symptoms of PAD
pain or cramping in the legs after walking
Claudication
pain or cramping in the legs after walking. occurs because the leg muscles do not receive adequate O2 and nutrients
Risk factors PAD
- smoking
- diabetes
- high cholesterol
- hypertension
- heredity
- age
How is PAD diagnosed?
- pulses in leg
- ankle-brachial index
- color duplex scan
- arteriogram
- CT scan
- MRA
Treatment for PAD
- reduce risk factors
- exercise
- medication
- angioplasty with or without stenting
- endarterectomy
- lower limb bypass surgery
Angioplasty with or without stenting
a catheter with a balloon is inserted into the femoral artery and inflated to dilate the artery. a stent may be placed to keep the artery open
What are the overall goals for the patient with lower extremity PAD?
- adequate tissue perfusion
- relief of pain
- increased exercise tolerance
- intact, healthy skin on extremities
What post-operative assessments are of highest priority for PAD treatment?
- ABCs: Assess vital signs closely and frequently
- CMS including the 6 P’s
- Observe extremity closely and very frequently (every 15 minutes initally, then hourly)
- Notify surgeon immediately with any changes
- Assess for S/S of infection
What discharge teaching is important after treatment (surgery) of PAD?
- examine feet daily
- report worsening symptoms to healthcare providor
- NEVER walk barefoot
- well fitting shoes
- quit smoking
- regular exercise
- low fat, low cholesterol, high fiber diet
What is the most common cause of PAD?
atherosclerosis, which is a narrowing of a blood vessel lumen which interferes with the normal flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the tissue
Atherosclerosis is
- leading cause of critical limb ischemia
- primarily affects the larger arteries
- gradual narrowing of the vessel lining due to the deposit of cholesterol and lipids
Arteriosclerosis is
- Arterial disorder
- Characterized by thickening, loss of elasticity, and calcification of arterial walls which results in decrease blood supply to tissues
Modifiable risk factors PAD
- oral contraceptives
- lifestyle
- stress
- type 2 diabetes
6 P’s
- Pain(monitor pain with exercise, at night, or with rest)
- Pallor (monitor color)
- Paralysis (monitor mobility)
- Pulses (check peripheral pulses - PT, DP)
- Paresthesia (monitor sensation)
- Poikilothermia (monitor temperature of extemity)