Peripheral Vascular Assessment

Question 1

What do arteries do?

Answer 1

• bring oxygen rich blood away from heart
• they are thick and elastic
• easy to palpate

Question 2

What do veins do?

Answer 2

• bring deoxygenated blood to heart
• thin walls but larger in diameter than arteries
• have valves to prevent back flow of blood

Question 3

What do capillaries do?

Answer 3

• gas exchange

- smalles vessels in the body

Question 4

What do lymphatics do?

Answer 4

• transport fluid back to vascular system

- plays a role in body defence & immunity

Question 5

3 functions of peripheral vascular system?

Answer 5

1. deliver oxygen & nutrients to body
2. transport carbon dioxide out of body
3. maintain adequate perfusion of the tissues & organs

Question 6

What is edema?

Answer 6

increase fluid in interstitial space

Question 7

Characteristics of a pulse?

Answer 7

• rate
• rhythm (regular, irregular)
• symmetry (compare all assessments bilaterally)

note* if pulse is irregular, take apical pulse for 1 min

if trauma is present: take pulse above & below area to verify if there is blood supply

Question 8

dopler?

Answer 8

pulse ultrasound machine

Question 9

Would chart?

Answer 9

• colour
• sensation
• movement
• tingling

Question 10

PVS landmarks in arm?

Answer 10

• carotid artery
• subclavian artery
• brachiocephalic artery
• brachial artery
• axillary artery
• ulnar artery
• radial artery

Question 11

PVS landmarks in leg?

Answer 11

• common iliac
• iliac
• femoral
• popliteal (behind knee)
• anterior tibial (ankle)
• posterior tibial (ankle)
• dorsal pedis (on top of foot)

Question 12

Reason for seeking care?

Answer 12

• pain
• edema
• skin changes in the extremities (dirty brown)
• temperature changes
• changes in sensation

Question 13

Orthostatic hypotension could indicate?

Answer 13

venous return problem

Question 14

Ulcer on inside of ankle bone (medial malleolus) could indicate?

Answer 14

venous problem

Question 15

pitting edema?

Answer 15

indentation stays in skin when finger is released

Question 16

Palpation-bilateral: arms & hands?

Answer 16

Circulation, Sensation, Movement, Brachial & Radial pulses, Cap refill, Edema

Question 17

Palpation-bilateral:legs & feet?

Answer 17

Circulation, Sensation, Movement, Femoral, Popliteal, Dorsal pedis pulses, Posterior Tibial pulses, edema

Question 18

Auscultation?

Answer 18

-Blood Pressure- bilateral
Lying
Sitting

-carotid pulse

Question 19

Arterial Insufficiency?

Answer 19

• Cause: Inadequate circulation in the arterial system usually caused by the buildup of fatty plaque or calcifications of the arterial wall
• Pulse: diminished/absent

-Skin: Cool, Shiny, Pale on elevation
Red when dependent. can turn black

-Pain: Deep muscle pain
Gnawing, sharp or stabbing
increases with exercise

• Ulcer Site: Calf of the leg, lower leg or top of foot
• Edema: Present
• Relief: Rest

Question 20

Venous Insufficiency

Answer 20

• Cause: Inadequate circulation in the venous system, usually caused by incompetent valves in deep veins or a blood clot in the veins
• Pulse: Present

-Skin: Warm, thickened & brown
Cyanosis, red = clot

• Pain: Aching or feeling of fullness Intensifies with prolonged standing or sitting in one position
• Ulcer Site: Medial malleolus
• Edema: Present; varicosities may be present
• Relief: Elevating leg, Walking