Vascular and Lymphatic System Fundamentals

Vascular System Structure and Function

• Peripheral vascular and lymphatic assessments evaluate the vascular system.
• The heart pumps oxygenated blood through arteries to all body tissues.
• Arteries are a high-pressure system due to the heart's pumping action.
• Arterial walls are strong, tough, and elastic to withstand pressure.
• Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) controls blood delivery by changing arterial diameter.
• Veins return deoxygenated blood to the heart.
• Efficient venous return is essential for cardiovascular health.

Lymphatic System

• The lymphatic system drains lymph fluid from tissues and facilitates immune responses.
• Components include lymph nodes, lymphatic ducts, and immune-related organs.

Developmental Competence in Aging Adults

• Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are common changes associated with aging.
• Increased systolic blood pressure is often observed.
• Enlarged intramuscular calf veins may be present.
• Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism risk increases.

Assessment Overview: Subjective Data

• Key questions for patients include leg pain/cramps.
• Skin changes on arms or legs (color, temperature, texture, turgor).
• Swelling in arms or legs.
• Lymph node enlargement (suggests immune system involvement).
• Medications and smoking (important risk factors).

Assessment Overview: Objective Data—Arms

• Inspect color, temperature, texture, and nail beds.
• Assess for lesions, edema, or clubbing.
• Use the profile sign and capillary refill test (normal is <2 seconds).

Assessment Overview: Objective Data—Legs

• Maintain patient modesty.
• Check for skin discoloration, ulcers, or gangrene.
• Palpate for temperature differences.
• Locate and assess pulses (femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, dorsalis pedal).

Special Tests

• Allen test: Evaluates blood flow to hands and wrists.
• Doppler ultrasound: Measures blood flow and detects arterial insufficiency.
• Grading pulses: 0 (absent) to 3+ (full/bounding) assesses arterial strength.

Common Conditions and Indicators: Arterial Insufficiency

• Symptoms include deep muscle pain, claudication, and rest pain.
• Indicators include diminished pulses, pale skin, and cold limbs.
• Severe cases may present with ulcers or gangrene.

Common Conditions and Indicators: Venous Insufficiency

• Symptoms include aching pain that worsens with standing/sitting.
• Other indicators include edema, brawny skin, dermatitis, and pruritus.

Health Promotion

• Male patients should be encouraged to perform testicular self-exams and have prostate and colorectal cancer screenings.
• Female patients should perform breast self-exams and receive HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screenings.

This quiz assesses your knowledge of the structure and function of the vascular and lymphatic systems. It covers essential concepts such as blood circulation, arterial and venous systems, and the impact of aging on cardiovascular health. Test your understanding of how these systems work together to maintain bodily functions.