Vascular Exam

Question 1

General inspection / end of the bed

Answer 1

• Prosthesis, dressings
• Mobility aids
• Vital signs

Question 1

Closer inspection

Answer 1

• Digits missing?
• Amputations?
• Scars – ulcers – arterial deep, on foot, venous ulcer – medial maleous and haemosidderin, Lipodermatosclerosis – think dark skin, irregularly shaped
• staining
• Oedema
• Cyanosis
• Gangrenous

Question 2

Brachial pulse

Question 3

how would you do this

Answer 3

CRT
Temperature
Brachial and radial popliteal pulse
Palpate femoral pulse
Auscultate carotids
Feel carotids
AAA -
Renal bruits

Lower limb
- look for weakness, fasciculations
- auscultate femoral
- assess radio femoral delay (coarctation of aorta)
- bruit of femoral pulse - iliac stenosis
- popliteal pulse
- dorsalis pedis pulse
- posterior tibial pulse (medial maleolus)
- sensation
- glove and stocking distribution

Question 4

Femoral ausculation - pistol shots

Answer 4

Traube sign - AR