peripheral vascular Flashcards
what does the peripheral vascular assessment evaluate
blood pressure, the effectiveness of circulation throughout the body
what does the peripheral vascular assessment monitor
blood flow and health of body arteries and veins throughout the body
health history questions
leg cramps, numbness/ tingling in extremities, cold sensation to hands and feet, cyanosis, ankle edema, smoking, nutritional problems, HTN, CAD, DM, varicose veins
what do you do for a carotid artery assessment
visualize carotid artery, palpate one at time -> if absent may indicate stenosis, auscultate for a bruit (normally absent) -> if present, palpate for thrill
what do you do for a jugular vein assessment
inspect for distention (supine with head at 30-45 degree elevation), normal finding is no vein distention
what is jugular vein distention influenced by
blood volume, capacity of RA to receive and expel blood to RV, ability of RV to move into pulmonary artery
what do you do for peripheral pulse assessment
look at symmetry, documented by strength (0,+1, +2, +3); +2 is normal
what is the Allens test
checks for arterial insufficiency in the hand; used to ensure latency if the ulnar artery before ABGs are collects; hold radial and ulnar artery at same time -> hand should go pallor -> release one and hand should pink back up
what do you assess for tissue perfusion
color (skin, mucosa, nail bed), temperature/ pain (pallor, pulseless), cyanosis
what do you inspect for for peripheral venous assessment
varicosities; superficial dilated veins, typically in legs; common for people who stand for long periods; edema(pitting/nonpitting in ankle), phlebitis
what is phlebitis
inflammation of a vein, may lead to clots; may see redness, warmth, tenderness, swelling
common spots for clots
calves; deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
