Peripheral vascular examination

Question 1

look

Answer 1

Inspect both limbs and between toes. Colour – pallor, erythema, haemosiderin. Skin – varicose eczema
Ulcers – venous, arterial.
Hair – loss, distribution.
Amputation, swelling, varicose veins (also whilst standing).

Question 2

palpate

Answer 2

temperature
pulses- femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, dorsalis pedis
cap refill
peripheral oedema
calf tenderness (DVT)

Question 3

what is buergers test

Answer 3

Have the patient lie supine and raise the leg above the level of the head. If the sole of the foot becomes pale then the test is positive.