Artery Disease Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of arteries compared to veins?

Thick walls with muscle tissue (correct)

Have valves to prevent backflow

Carry deoxygenated blood

Flow smoothly under low pressure

Which of the following symptoms is associated with Peripheral Venous Disease (PVD)?

Pale and cool extremities

Very poor or nearly absent pulse

Dull constant, achy pain (correct)

Sharp pain that worsens at night

How does blood flow in veins differ from blood flow in arteries?

Veins flow in pulses

Veins carry oxygenated blood

Veins have thick muscular walls

Veins flow smoothly under low pressure (correct)

What type of ulcers are primarily associated with Peripheral Venous Disease?

Venous stasis ulcers, shallow and irregularly shaped Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is NOT a cause of Peripheral Vascular Disease?

Inactivity Signup and view all the answers

Which observation is characteristic of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?

Cool leg temperature Signup and view all the answers

What type of ulcer is typically associated with peripheral venous disease (PVD)?

Irregularly shaped and shallow Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of treatment for peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?

Increase blood flow Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic test is used to assess abnormalities in the blood vessels of the legs?

Femoral angiogram Signup and view all the answers

What nursing intervention is essential for a client with limited mobility at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Encouraging mobility and leg exercises Signup and view all the answers

Which side effect is common with anticoagulants like heparin?

Bleeding tendencies Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended positioning for a patient experiencing peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?

Dangle legs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following anticoagulants is administered orally?

Warfarin Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of vitamin K in anticoagulant therapy with Warfarin?

Inhibits the action of Warfarin Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the timing of therapeutic effects is correct for Warfarin?

Effects take 3 to 4 days to become therapeutic Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between low molecular weight heparin and unfractionated heparin?

LMWH has a lower chance of bleeding Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of a neurovascular assessment?

Body temperature Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is primarily used to reverse the effects of heparin?

Protamine sulfate Signup and view all the answers

What are the contributing factors for developing varicose veins?

Obesity Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention can help reduce edema in patients with varicose veins?

Elevating lower extremities Signup and view all the answers

What is a common manifestation of Buerger’s disease?

Painful open sores Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for promoting a walking program in patients with peripheral vascular disease?

Decreases venous congestion Signup and view all the answers

What medication is typically administered for patients with Raynaud syndrome to manage their condition?

Nifedipine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of an aortic aneurysm?

Pulsating abdominal mass Signup and view all the answers

What nursing intervention is important for preoperative care of a patient with an aortic aneurysm?

Keep systolic blood pressure at 100-120 mm Hg Signup and view all the answers

What complication should a nurse monitor for in a patient post-aortic aneurysm repair?

Arterial occlusion Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the discharge teaching for a patient with varicose veins?

Use compression garments Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is most commonly affected by Buerger's disease?

Men aged 20-35 Signup and view all the answers

What lifestyle change is the most critical for a patient with Raynaud syndrome?

Quit smoking Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common symptom of Raynaud syndrome?

Ulceration in fingers or toes Signup and view all the answers

What non-surgical method is sometimes used for treating varicose veins?

Laser therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is a diagnostic procedure commonly used to evaluate aortic aneurysms?

CT Scan Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Veins vs. Arteries

Veins: Carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, flowing smoothly under low pressure.
Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, characterized by pulsating flow and high pressure.
Structural Differences: Veins have thin walls and valves to prevent backflow; arteries have thick muscular walls without valves.

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

Definition: An umbrella term for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and peripheral venous disease (PVD).
Common Causes: Smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
Diagnosis: Utilizes Doppler ultrasound and Ankle Brachial Index (ABI).

Peripheral Venous Disease (PVD)

Blood cannot return to the heart, leading to pooling in extremities.
Symptoms: Dull, constant pain; edema; may have non-palpable pulses.
Indicators: Warm legs; stasis dermatitis (brown/yellow color); shallow venous stasis ulcers; no gangrene risk.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Characterized by narrowed arteries (often due to atherosclerosis), restricting oxygenated blood flow to extremities.
Symptoms: Sharp pain, worsening at night, intermittent claudication; very poor or absent pulses; cool legs; red sores with a punched-out appearance.
Indicators: Pale, hairless, dry skin; risk of gangrene due to lack of blood supply.

Femoral Angiogram

A diagnostic test using X-rays to assess blood vessel abnormalities in the legs.
Involves IV dye injection for blockage assessment; performed with local anesthesia.

Neurovascular Assessment

Evaluates sensory and motor function alongside peripheral circulation.
Components: Pulses, capillary refill, skin color, temperature, sensation, and motor function.

Treatment for Peripheral Venous and Artery Disease

For PVD: Keep vein open through elevation, medication (aspirin, statins), and possibly surgery (angioplasty, CABG).
For PAD: Encourage blood movement through elevation, daily skin care, smoking cessation, and avoidance of tight clothing.

Anticoagulants: Heparin and Warfarin

Heparin: Requires monitoring; IV or subcutaneous administration; rapid action; antidote is protamine sulfate.
Warfarin: Oral drug; slower effect; monitored with PT/INR; antidote is vitamin K; diet modification necessary.
Newer Anticoagulants: Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, Edoxaban; Andexanet alfa for reversal of bleeding.

Varicose Veins

Enlarged, twisted superficial veins, primarily in lower extremities.
Contributing Factors: Prolonged standing, obesity, hereditary factors.
Manifestations: Visible veins, muscle cramping, edema.
Nursing Interventions: Avoid prolonged sitting/standing, wear support stockings, maintain ideal weight, elevate legs.

Buerger's Disease

Inflammation of arteries and veins leading to thrombus formation.
Risk Group: Primarily men aged 20-35, often associated with smoking.
Symptoms: Intermittent pain, cold sensitivity, painful sores, possible gangrene.

Raynaud's Syndrome

Vasospastic condition causing color changes in extremities due to cold/stress; more common in women.
Symptoms: Coldness, pallor, pain, occasional ulcers.
Nursing Interventions: Keep warm, avoid smoking, limit caffeine.

Aortic Aneurysm

Local distention of aortic wall, often monitored until exceeding 5 cm for surgery.
Symptoms: Asymptomatic or thoracic pain, dyspnea, abdominal pain; pulsating mass.
Nursing Care: Monitor blood pressure, use beta-blockers; watch for rupture signs.

Postoperative Considerations for Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Monitor peripheral circulation and blood pressure.
Assess for complications such as arterial occlusion, hemorrhage, and renal failure.

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Description

Explore the differences between Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) through this quiz. Learn about symptoms such as temperature changes, skin color, and wound characteristics. Understand how blood flow impacts the conditions and their management.