Vascular Disorders/ Peripheral Circulation Flashcards
Name the 3 classifications of Vascular System disorders
Arterial, venous, and lymphatic
Arterial Disorders
Arteries may become DAMAGED of OBSTRUCTED as a result of atherosclerotic plaque, thromboemboli, chemical/mechanical trauma, infections, or congenital malformations
Sudden Arterial Disorders
result in irreversible tissue ischemia
Gradual Arterial Disease
less risk of tissue death due to collateral circulation, but overtime ischemia and tissue death may occur
Collateral Circulation
rerouting of blood vessels
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
- any disease process that affects the arteries
- results in ischemia
- legs most affected
- increased mortality, MI, and cerebrovascular disease
- patients are initially asymptomatic
PAD Signs and Symptoms
hair loss, dry skin, skeletal muscle atrophy, skin pallor, diminished/absent pulses, cool extremities, paresthesia, numbness, tingling, edema, ulcers
PAD Pathophysiology
as the lumen narrows and blood flow decreases, ischemia occurs, progressing to infarction in the distal tissues
PAD Modifiable Risk Factors
diet, obesity, smoking, stress, lack of exercise
Non-modifiable Risk Factors
age, race, diseases such as hypertension and diabetes
Other:hyperhomocysteinema
PAD Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI)
chronic ischemic pain at rest, nonhealing ulcers, or gangrene
-infection can progress to amputation
Acute Limb Ischemia (ALI)
sudden decrease in limb perfusion either thrombosis or embolism that may threaten limb viability
Signs and symptoms of ALI
6 P’s
- Pain (severe stabbing, shooting, or burning)
- Pallor
- Pulselessness
- Poikilothermia (cool temperature to palpation)
- Paresthesia (numbness, tingling)
- Paralysis
What peripheral pulses should an RN check for PAD?
popliteal artery, dorsalis pedis artery, and posterior tibial artery
What diagnostics tests may be used for PAD?
doppler ultrasound flow studies, CTA, MRA, Angiography
Doppler Ultrasound Flow Studies
Evaluates arterial signals, BP measurement in the limbs, asses vessel size, presence of thrombus, and valve function
Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)
Demonstrates cross sectional image of soft tissues
Diagnosis abdominal aneurysms, graft infections, occlusions, and hemorrhage
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
Detection of changes, aneurysm, DVT
**useful in poor kidney function or contrast agent allergy
Angiography
Gold Standard
conformation of occlusive arterial disease when considering interventions
- watch for iodine allergies
What are the goals for PAD?
- reduce the risk of life threatening complications of atherosclerosis
- improve walking distance
- salvage the limb
Raynaud’s Disease/ Phenomenon
vasospasm that occurs with cold or stress
- unknown cause
- Women 16-40+ years
- Associated with immunologic disorders, scleroderma, and SLE
Signs and Symptoms of Raynaud’s Disease
- skin becomes cyanotic due to vasospasm, then vasodilation causes redness
- Numbness, tingling, and burning pain
- Fingers and toes may be cool during attacks and may perspire excessively
What should patients do for Raynaud’s Disease?
- avoid stimuli that causes vasoconstriction
- dress warmly, wear gloves or mittens
- avoid tobacco
- educate on the use of calcium-channel blockers
Aneurysm
a localized outpouching, sac, or dilation formed at a weak point in the arterial wall
Saccular Aneurysm
projects from one side of the vessel only
Fusiform Aneurysm
the entire arterial segment becomes dilated
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
- Unknown cause, but atherosclerosis contributes
- Most are asymptomatic and found on routine exam
- can rupture leading to hemorrhage and death
Aneurysm Patho
The degradation of the medial elastin fibers and collagen leads to weakening and dilation of the aorta and the development of the aneurysm
At what rate does an aneurysm grow?
0.3-0.4 cm/ year
Risk Factors for Aneurysm
Age (>50) Male Tobacco use Family history hypertension Atherosclerotic disease
Aneurysm S/S
- usually asymptomatic
- Patients may complain “I can feel my heart beating in my abdomen”
Impending Rupture
- severe back or abdominal pain
- falling blood pressure
- decreased hematocrit
- *Surgical repair is their ONLY chance to live