Systemic Conditions Flashcards
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) = ?
- Symptoms = ?
- PAD is a narrowing of peripheral arteries, leading to reduced blood flow, commonly affecting lower extremities.
- Symptoms: Pain in buttocks, hips, thighs, calves, and feet due to obstruction of different arteries.
What are the common signs of PAD?
Intermittent claudication, hair loss, shiny skin, diminished pulses, and cool skin.
What is the Claudication Pain Grading Scale?
It categorizes pain from minimal discomfort
- 1 = Initial discomfort or pain, but only minimal levels
- 2 = Moderate discomfort or pain from which the patient’s attention can be diverted
- 3 = Intense pain from which the patient’s attention cannot be diverted
- 4 = Excruciating and unbearable pain
What is intermittent claudication?
It is pain caused by inadequate blood flow during exercise, relieved by rest.
How does exercise benefit patients with PAD?
Exercise improves symptoms by increasing capillary density and promoting angiogenesis.
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?
CVI is a condition where veins fail to adequately return blood to the heart, leading to swelling and skin changes.
What are the symptoms of CVI?
Swelling, pain in dependent positions, and skin discoloration (hemosiderin staining).
What is the treatment approach for CVI?
- exercise
- compression therapy
- elevation of limbs
What are the differences between arterial and venous wounds?
- Arterial wounds are dry with punched-out appearance
- Venous wounds are wet with irregular borders
What is the purpose of the ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index) test?
- It measures blood pressure differences between the arms and legs to diagnose PAD.
- If an ABI (SBP of ankle/SBP of arm) is 0.90 or less, it is considered abnormal.
What are Wells Criteria used for?
To assess the probability of DVT in patients with symptoms like swelling and pain.
What are the signs and symptoms of a PE and DVT?
- PE: Shortness of breath, anxiety, pleuritic chest pain, and tachycardia.
- DVT: Pain, ipsilateral swelling, palpable cord, warmth, redness
What is the importance of compression therapy in venous disease?
To prevent venous stasis and promote blood flow.
What is the treatment approach for DVT?
- early mobilization
- compression therapy
- anticoagulation medications.
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How does rubor of dependency help in assessing arterial insufficiency?
- It measures the color change in a foot to indicate arterial insufficiency.
- Rubor of Dependency: Observe color of both feet in supine (or in sitting).
- In supine, elevate one leg for 60 sec. Observe foot color: light pink is normal; chalky white or painful means arterial insufficiency.
- Then lower to dependent position and time the color return compared to the color of the non-elevated foot.
- Observe foot color: Light pink is normal; chalky white or painful means arterial insufficiency.
- Then lower to dependent position and time the color return compared to the color of the non-elevated foot.
- Normal = pink in < 15 sec.
- Abnormal > 20-30 sec + bright red (histamine response) =Arterial compromise
What is the typical patient presentation with PAD pain?
Pain increases with walking and decreases with rest; worsens with elevation.
What is venous stasis ulcer and what are its characteristics?
A venous ulcer caused by poor venous return, characterized by wet, red, and irregular borders.