Ineffective Tissue Perfusion: Varicose Veins Flashcards
What are varicose veins?
A) Dilated, tortuous veins caused by improper venous valve function
B) Swollen arteries caused by atherosclerosis
C) Small, ruptured capillaries due to hypertension
D) Infected veins due to bacterial infiltration
A) Dilated, tortuous veins caused by improper venous valve function
Rationale: Varicose veins are engorged veins that develop due to venous valve dysfunction, leading to blood pooling and venous insufficiency.
Which primary factor contributes to varicose vein formation?
A) Increased arterial pressure
B) Improper venous valve function
C) Calcium deposits in the veins
D) Hypercoagulability
B) Improper venous valve function
Rationale: Venous valves prevent backflow of blood. When they fail, blood pools in the veins, causing dilation and engorgement (varicosities).
What are the common manifestations of varicose veins?
A) Pale, cool skin with weak pulses
B) Irregular, purplish, bulging veins with aching and fatigue
C) Sharp chest pain and tachypnea
D) Numbness and tingling in the extremities
B) Irregular, purplish, bulging veins with aching and fatigue
Rationale: Varicose veins present with bulging, discolored veins, leg fatigue, aching, pedal edema, and skin changes (shiny, pigmented skin, ulcers).
Which diagnostic tests are used to confirm varicose veins?
A) Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
B) Duplex ultrasound and physical examination
C) Electrocardiogram (ECG)
D) Chest X-ray
B) Duplex ultrasound and physical examination
Rationale: Varicose veins are often visible on exam, and a duplex ultrasound evaluates venous blood flow and valve function.
A 55-year-old nurse complains of leg aching, swelling, and visible purple veins after long shifts. What is the likely cause?
A) Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
B) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
C) Varicose veins
D) Raynaud’s phenomenon
C) Varicose veins
Rationale: Prolonged standing is a major risk factor for varicose veins, leading to vein dilation, aching, and visible purplish veins.
Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for varicose veins?
A) Prolonged standing or sitting
B) Pregnancy
C) High sodium diet
D) Obesity
C) High sodium diet
Rationale: Varicose veins develop due to increased venous pressure and blood pooling, often from prolonged standing, obesity, pregnancy, or genetics. Dietary sodium is not a direct cause.
A patient with varicose veins asks how to prevent symptoms from worsening. Which lifestyle change is most effective?
A) Avoiding walking and keeping legs still
B) Wearing compression stockings and elevating legs
C) Sitting with legs crossed to promote circulation
D) Drinking high-caffeine beverages to improve venous tone
B) Wearing compression stockings and elevating legs
Rationale: Compression stockings support venous return, and leg elevation reduces blood pooling, preventing worsening symptoms.
Which of the following treatments is considered surgical for varicose veins?
A) Sclerotherapy
B) Endovenous ablation
C) Vein stripping (surgical removal)
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
Rationale: Sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, and surgical vein removal are all treatments for severe varicose veins.
A patient with chronic venous insufficiency develops a non-healing ulcer on the lower leg. What is the likely cause?
A) Increased arterial pressure
B) Poor venous return leading to tissue damage
C) Autoimmune inflammation
D) Bacterial skin infection
B) Poor venous return leading to tissue damage
Rationale: Chronic venous insufficiency from varicose veins can cause venous ulcers due to poor circulation and delayed healing.
Which intervention is most appropriate for preventing complications in a patient with early-stage varicose veins?
A) Immediate vein surgery
B) High-intensity weightlifting
C) Leg elevation, compression stockings, and exercise
D) Long-term bed rest
C) Leg elevation, compression stockings, and exercise
Rationale: Early-stage management includes lifestyle modifications, such as compression stockings, leg elevation, and physical activity to improve circulation.
A pregnant woman develops varicose veins in her legs. What is the most likely reason?
A) Increased arterial pressure
B) Increased estrogen levels
C) Decreased oxygen levels
D) Increased venous pressure from the uterus
D) Increased venous pressure from the uterus
Rationale: During pregnancy, the growing uterus compresses pelvic veins, increasing venous pressure and blood pooling, which leads to varicose veins.
What is the primary cause of varicose veins?
A) Hypercoagulability
B) Weak venous walls and valve dysfunction
C) Atherosclerosis
D) High cholesterol
B) Weak venous walls and valve dysfunction
Rationale: Weak venous walls and incompetent valves lead to blood pooling, increasing venous pressure and vein dilation.
A patient with varicose veins is advised to avoid prolonged sitting and standing. Why?
A) It causes arterial hypertension
B) It promotes blood pooling and venous distension
C) It prevents arterial blockages
D) It reduces hypercoagulability
B) It promotes blood pooling and venous distension
Rationale: Prolonged sitting/standing reduces venous return, leading to increased blood pooling, vein enlargement, and worsening varicosities.
What is the most common location for varicose veins?
A) Upper arms
B) Abdomen
C) Lower legs
D) Face
C) Lower legs
Rationale: Varicose veins most commonly affect the lower legs, where venous pressure is highest due to gravity.
A patient with varicose veins asks about sclerotherapy. What should the nurse explain?
A) It involves removing the affected vein surgically
B) It uses an injectable solution to collapse the vein
C) It is only used for arterial blockages
D) It is a high-risk procedure requiring hospitalization
B) It uses an injectable solution to collapse the vein
Rationale: Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure where a solution is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse and fade over time.
