Module 2- Venous Anatomy

Question 1

What are the 2 pressures that affect vein shape?

Answer 1

Intramural (internal)
Interstitial (external)

Question 2

What are the aspects on the waveform of normal venous flow (4 total)

Answer 2

A- atria contracts (above the baseline)
S- near the end of atrial filling
V- atria is filled (starting to move towards the baseline
D- tricuspid valve opens (blood flows into the ventricle)

Question 3

How does respiration affect venous blood flow?

Answer 3

It is different for upper and lower extremities
Inspiration- upper: increases, lower: decreases
Expiration- upper: decreases, lower: increases

Question 4

Why are the upper extremities more pulsatile?

Answer 4

Closer to the heart

Question 5

Why are valves a common site for thrombus?

Answer 5

Stagnant flow

Question 6

What is an abnormal waveform when doing valsalva?

Answer 6

Reversal- incompetent valves

Question 7

What does a continuous waveform indicate?

Answer 7

Loss of respirophasicity usually due to a proximal obstruction

Question 8

What does a pulsatile waveform indicate?

Answer 8

Heart condition- increased central venous pressure

Question 9

What does reflux on a waveform indicate?

Answer 9

Incompetent valves or venous distension