Peripheral Vascular System Flashcards
Describe arteries.
- Usually carry oxygenated blood
- Walls are strong (high pressure system)
- Contain smooth muscle
What is the mechanism of the Allen’s test and what is it used for?
The patient is asked to make a fist for 30 seconds. Pressure is applied over the ulnar and radial arteries to occlude them. The radial artery pressure is released. If blood flow is available from the ulnar artery, then the color will return to the hand.
Respiratory therapists use the radial artery to perform an Arterial Blood Gas test. Allen’s test is used to insure that if the radial artery is damaged, blood flow will contain to reach the hand through the ulnar artery.
Where are the 4 lymph node locations?
- Cervical nodes- drain head and neck
- Axillary nodes- drain breast and upper arm
- Epitrochlear nodes- hand and lower arm (close to brachial pulse)
- Inguinal nodes- lower extremity, external genitalia and anterior abdominal wall
Define the lymphatic system.
- Completely different system
- Excess fluid and plasma proteins
- Major part of immune system
What is claudication?
- In the legs
- Result of peripheral artery disease
- Blood flow is less than muscle demand
- Causes muscle pain and fatigue when walking
- “Like angina in the legs”
Describe the veins.
- Carry deoxygenated blood
- Closer to the skin surface
- Low pressure system
What are three reason that makes venous return possible?
- Contracting muscles “milk” veins
- Inspiration creates negative pressures
- One-way valves in veins
How does lymph nodes contribute to the immune system?
They filter fluid before it returns to the bloodstream
Which side of the hand do you check temperature?
Dorsal side of hand
If blood flow is not adequate in the lower extremities, which characteristic presents itself first?
Lost of hair on the legs
In venous stasis, what causes the brownish color of the lower extremity?
RBCs die and Fe (iron) is released and deposited on the skin.
Describe lymph nodes in infants and children.
- Often palpable
* Small, firm (shorty), mobile and non-tender
Name three causes of enlarged lymph nodes.
- Infections
- Malignancy
- Immunological disease
True or False: In order to feel a lymph node, you must press in deeply on the location of the lymph node.
False; rub lightly. “Let the lymph node touch you”
True or False: While checking a femoral pulse, if you find the pulse to be weak, it is normal and no further assessment is need.
False; if this pulse is weak or diminished, osculate the site for a bruit. It could be caused by atherosclerosis.
