Peripheral Artery Disease Flashcards
Patho of Peripheral Artery Disease
Result of systemic atherosclerosis. It is a chronic condition in which partial or total arterial occlusion deprives the lower extremities of oxygen and nutrients.
Inflow obstruction
Involves the distal end of the aorta. Located above the inguinal ligament.
Pain in the lower back, but, or thighs
Outflow obstruction.
Involved in femoral, popliteal, and tibial arteries and are below the superficial femoral artery.
Pain in the calves, feet, and toes.
Common risk factors for PAD
Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking, obesity, familial predisposition.
Patients with PAD have an increased risk for
Chronic angina, MI, or stroke
Which group is most affected with pad?
African-Americans
What is intermittent claudication?
A cramping, burning muscle discomfort or pain in the legs. The pain stops after rest.
Where do arterial ulcers initially form?
On the toes, between the toes, or on the upper aspect of the foot.
What kind of imaging assessment is done for patient with pad?
Arteriography
How do you calculate the ankle brachial index?
Divide the ankle blood pressure by the brachial blood pressure
An ABI of less than 0.9 in either leg is diagnostic of pad
Diabetics are known to have a falsely elevated ABI
What kind of drug therapy is used in pad?
Anti platelet agents (Aspirin and Plavix), and hemorheologic agents (decreases blood viscosity)
6 P’s of ischemia
Pain Pallor Paresthesias Pulselessness Paralysis Poikilothermy
Patient and family education. Footcare for patient with PVD
Wash in room temperature water.
Keep your feet dry
Wear comfortable, well fitting shoes. Don’t go barefoot
Prevent exposure to extreme heat or cold
