27 Questions
Which statement is true regarding the arterial system?
The arterial system is a high-pressure system.
The major artery supplying the arm is the:
Brachial
The nurse is preparing to assess the dorsalis pedis artery. Where is the correct location for palpation?
Lateral to the extensor tendon of the great toe
Which artery is palpated behind the knee?
Popliteal
What is the appropriate reason for performing a modified Allen test?
To evaluate the adequacy of collateral circulation before cannulating the radial artery
What finding would a nurse most likely observe in a patient diagnosed with venous stasis?
Brownish discoloration to the skin of the lower leg
How should the nurse assess the femoral pulse in an obese patient?
The patient is asked to bend his or her knees to the side in a froglike position
What does the presence of a bruit in the femoral arteries indicate?
Occur with turbulent blood flow, indicating partial occlusion
How should mild, slight pitting edema at the ankles of a pregnant patient be documented?
1+/0-4+
Which is a normal finding in healthy 3-year-old children?
Palpable lymph nodes
What is a characteristic of intermittent claudication?
Leg pain relieved by rest within 2 minutes
What may night leg pain in aging adults indicate?
Ischemic rest pain of peripheral vascular disease
What does a capillary refill time of 5 seconds in an adult indicate?
It requires further investigation, as it is delayed
What should a nurse do if a femoral pulse is diminished?
Auscultate the site for a bruit to assess for partial occlusion
What is the characteristic of untreated hyperthyroidism in relation to pulse?
Associated with a full, bounding pulse
What are hyperkinetic states, such as hyperthyroidism, associated with?
A full, bounding pulse
Where is the posterior tibial pulse palpated?
Between the malleolus and Achilles tendon
What is the main cause of the left calf pain experienced by the 65-year-old patient during exercise?
Ischemia due to partial arterial blockage
Which veins are responsible for most venous return in the arm?
Superficial veins
What can be removed for open-heart surgery without harming circulation if femoral and popliteal veins remain intact?
Great saphenous vein
What is a high risk factor for venous disease?
Prolonged bed rest
How is lymph flow propelled?
By skeletal muscles and pressure changes
What does an enlarged right epitrochlear lymph node indicate?
The need to examine lower arm and hand for infection or lesions
Which nodes in the groin drain most of the lymph of the lower extremities?
Inguinal nodes
What is expected to be seen in an assessment of a patient with an infection in the left foot?
Enlarged and tender inguinal nodes
What ensures one-way flow from tissue spaces to bloodstream in lymph vessels?
Valves
Where are the epitrochlear nodes located?
In the antecubital fossa
Study Notes
Assessment of Peripheral Vascular System
- Posterior tibial pulse is palpated between the malleolus and Achilles tendon; no pulse at lateral malleolus
- 65-year-old patient experiencing left calf pain during exercise, consistent with ischemia due to partial arterial blockage
- Venous blood returns to heart through intraluminal valves, contracting skeletal muscles, and pressure gradients
- Superficial veins responsible for most venous return in arm
- Great saphenous vein can be removed for open-heart surgery without harming circulation if femoral and popliteal veins remain intact
- Prolonged bed rest is a high risk factor for venous disease
- Lymph flow is slow compared to blood flow, propelled by skeletal muscles and pressure changes
- Enlarged right epitrochlear lymph node indicates the need to examine lower arm and hand for infection or lesions
- Inguinal nodes in the groin drain most of the lymph of the lower extremities
- In an assessment of a patient with an infection in the left foot, expect to see enlarged and tender inguinal nodes
- Lymph vessels have valves, ensuring one-way flow from tissue spaces to bloodstream
- The epitrochlear nodes are located in the antecubital fossa and drain the hand and lower arm
Test your knowledge of the peripheral vascular system with this quiz. Explore topics such as pulse palpation, venous return, lymph flow, and lymph node assessment. Perfect for healthcare professionals and students studying cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.
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