Vessels of the lower limb

Question 1

Demonstrate palpation of the dorsalis pedis pulse of the lower limb and describe its rate.

Answer 1

Palpate just lateral to extensor hallucis longus tendon.
Ask patient to dorsiflex their toes to see the tendon.
(against 1st metatarsal)

Question 2

Demonstrate palpation of the tibialis posterior pulse

Answer 2

Palpate just behind the medial malleolus.

against tibia

Question 3

What is the path of the long saphenous vein?

Answer 3

Ascends 2cm anterior to medial malleolus, along medial side of leg,
A hands width across from the medial side of the patella
Along the medial side of the thigh to the saphenous opening in the inguinal region.

Question 4

What is the path of the short saphenous vein?

Answer 4

Runs posterior to lateral malleolus, up back of the calf from the lateral aspect of the dorsal venous arch of the foot to join the deep venous system in the popliteal fossa, draining into the popliteal vein.
Connects freely with the long saphenous vein + via perforating veins + valves to the deep veins of the calf.

Question 5

Where would you palpate the femoral artery?

Answer 5

Palpate pulse at mid-inguinal point between ASIS + pubic symphysis
(against pubis)

Question 6

How would you palpate the popliteal artery?

Answer 6

Subject lies prone with knee flexed.
Palpated in inferior part of popliteal fossa in relation to the tibia
(against tibia)