Peripheral Vascular Disease

Question 1

• diseases and conditions affecting the peripheral arteries and veins
• pathologic changes that impair the blood supply to peripheral tissues, particularly the lower extremities

Answer 1

peripheral vascular diseases

Question 2

-condition characterised by thickening, loss of elasticity and calcification of arterial walls

Answer 2

arteriosclerosis

Question 3

-form of arteriosclerosis in which deposits of fat and fibrin obstruct and harden the arteries

Answer 3

atherosclerosis

Question 4

• disorder of inadequate venous return over a prolonged period
• most common cause is DVT

Answer 4

chronic venous insufficiency

Question 5

-venous blood that collects and stagnates in the lower leg

Answer 5

venous stasis

Question 6

what are some of the risk factors for peripheral vascular disease?

Answer 6

• DM
• hypercholesterolemia
• HTN
• smoking
• high homocystine levels
• obesity
• occupations that require prolonged sitting or standing

Question 7

-a cramping or aching pain in the calves of the legs, thighs and buttocks that occurs with a predictable level of activity

Answer 7

intermittent claudication

Question 8

• buring sensation in the lower legs

- occurs when legs are elevated, decreases when they are dependent (hanging over side of bed etc)

Answer 8

rest pain

Question 9

what are some of the clinical manifestations for peripheral atherosclerosis?

Answer 9

• intermittent claudication
• rest pain
• paresthesias
• diminished or absent peripheral pulses
• pallow with extremity elevation, dependent rubor
• thin, shiny, hairless skin, thickened toenails
• areas of discoloration or breakdown

Question 10

what are some of the clinical manifestations for chronic venous insufficiency?

Answer 10

• low extremity edema that worsens with standing
• itching dull leg discomfort that increases with standing
• thin, shiny, atrophic skin
• cyanosis and brown skin pigmentation of lower leg and foot
• possible weeping dermatitis
• thick, fibrous subcutaneous tissue
• recurrent ulcerations of medial or anterior ankle

Question 11

what are some diagnostic tests for peripheral vascular disease?

Answer 11

• segmental pressure measurements
• stress testing
• doppler ultrasound
• duplex doppler ultrasound
• transcutaneous oximetry
• angiography
• MRI

Question 12

what are some pharmacologic therapies for peripheral vascular disease?

Answer 12

• aspirin
• clopidrogel
• cilostazol
• pentoxifylline

Question 13

what surgeries and procedures are available for clients with peripheral vascular disease?

Answer 13

• revacularization
• percutaneous transluminal angioplasty
• stent placement
• atherectomy
• endartectomy
• bypass grafts