Peripheral Vascular Diseases - EXAM II

Question 1

arteries and ______ transport oxygenated blood from heart to body tissues

Answer 1

arterioles

Question 2

veins and _____ return unoxygenated blood back to the heart

Answer 2

venules

Question 3

permit rapid and efficient transport of nutrients to cells and removal of wastes from the cells

Answer 3

capillaries

Question 4

larger arteries such as the coronary, vertebral renal, iliac and femoral are most often affected by _______.

Answer 4

atherosclerosis

Question 5

results from atherosclerosis that usually occurs in the arteries of the lower extremities and is characterized by inadequate flow of blood.

Answer 5

peripheral arterial disease

Question 6

caused by a gradual thickening of the intima and media of the arteries, ultimately resulting in the progressive narrowing of the vessel lumen. Plaques can form on the walls of the arteries, making them rough and fragile.

Answer 6

atherosclerosis

Question 7

• burning, cramping, pain in the legs during exercise (intermittent claudication)
• numbness or burning pain primarily in the feet when in bed
• pain that is relieved by placing legs at rest in a dependent position
• decreased capillary refill of toes
• decreased palpable pulse
• loss of hair on the lower calf, ankle and foot
• thick toenails
• cold and cyanotic extremity
• ulcers and possible grangrene of toes

Answer 7

expected findings of PAD

Question 8

stage of chronic PAD that is asymptomatic.

• there is no claudication present
• bruit or aneurysm may be present
• pedal pulses are diminished

Answer 8

Stage 1

Question 9

stage of chronic PAD that claudication begins to occur.

• muscle pain, cramping or burning w/ exercise relieved by rest
• symptoms that return w/exercise

Answer 9

Stage II

Question 10

stage of chronic PAD that rest pain begins to occur.

• pain while resting (often awakes the patient at night)
• numbness, burning, or toothache like
• pain relieved by placing the extremity in a dependent position

Answer 10

Stage III

Question 11

stage of chronic PAD that necrosis/gangrene occurs.

• ulcers and blackened tissue occur on the toes
• gangrenous odor

Answer 11

Stage IV

Question 12

• position the patient w/extremities dependent and never above the heart.
• check water temperature before bathing
• keep legs and feet clean and dry, inspect daily and report problems to HCP
• encourage a warm environment, wear warm socks, well-fitting shoes
• do not cross legs, wear girdles, or swim in cold water
• encourage moderate regular exercise to promote the development of collateral circulation.
• avoid stress, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine which can increase vasoconstriction.

Answer 12

Nursing Intervention: patient education with PAD