Venous Disorders and Vascular Examination

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of valves in veins?

To control blood pressure in the veins

To promote the formation of varicose veins

To regulate the flow of oxygenated blood

To prevent backflow of blood (correct)

Which condition involves partial or complete occlusion of a vein by a thrombus with inflammatory changes?

Thrombophlebitis (correct)

Varicose Veins

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

What is a characteristic feature of superficial thrombophlebitis?

Edema and stasis dermatitis

Warmth, tenderness, and pitting

Palpable cord with warmth, erythema, and swelling (correct)

Rapid filling with compression and sudden additional venous filling after removal of compression

What is the purpose of the Trendelenburg Test in assessing venous insufficiency?

To assess for retrograde filling Signup and view all the answers

Which examination method for venous insufficiency involves assessing for warmth, tenderness, pitting, and varicosities?

Palpation Signup and view all the answers

What does chronic venous insufficiency typically result in?

Ulcers Signup and view all the answers

What procedure uses a catheter inserted into a varicose vein to destroy the vein tissue?

Ablation Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by painless edema of one or both lower extremities, often non-pitting, and may be due to impairment of lymph flow from the extremity?

Lymphedema Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is most commonly caused by a parasitic disease known as lymphatic filariasis?

Elephantiasis Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the widened venules often known as 'spider veins' due to their fine and weblike appearance?

Telangiectasia Signup and view all the answers

Based on examination findings, which clinical finding would suggest venous insufficiency as the cause of a sore on the lower leg that does not seem to get better?

Ulceration on the medial side of the ankle Signup and view all the answers

Based on examination findings, which clinical finding would suggest arterial insufficiency as the cause of severe pain in the right foot?

Pallor of the foot upon elevation Signup and view all the answers

What mosquito species is most commonly associated with causing lymphatic filariasis?

Aedes aegypti mosquito Signup and view all the answers

What does sclerotherapy inject into varicose veins?

Hypertonic saline Signup and view all the answers

'Draining Basin' nodes are usually enlarged and tender in which condition?

'Draining Basin' nodes are usually enlarged and tender in lymphangitis Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure irritates and scars varicose veins from the inside out?

Sclerotherapy Signup and view all the answers

What procedure involves ligation of the leaking vein high up the leg at the groin and micro-extraction of the rest of the diseased veins?

Phlebectomy Signup and view all the answers

What are the common symptoms of Acute Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)?

Sudden onset calf pain and tight feeling in the calf Signup and view all the answers

What is the gold standard for diagnosing DVT above the knee?

Venous Duplex Ultrasonography Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a risk factor for DVT?

Elevated levels of Factor VIII, IX, or XI Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of DVT?

Recent hospitalization or surgery Signup and view all the answers

What is Virchow’s Triad associated with in the context of DVT?

Coagulation abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary management approach for Acute DVT?

Heparin and Coumadin (3-6 months) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter?

To trap potentially lethal emboli Signup and view all the answers

What is an important preventive measure for DVT in hospital patients?

Prophylactic anticoagulation Signup and view all the answers

What are the signs and symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Diffuse aching of the legs, itching, and progressive edema of lower extremity Signup and view all the answers

What are varicose veins primarily characterized by?

Dilated superficial veins of the lower extremity Signup and view all the answers

What is a non-surgical treatment option for varicose veins?

Knee high/support stockings Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Venous Valve Function and Conditions

Valves in veins prevent backflow of blood, ensuring one-way circulation towards the heart.
Thrombophlebitis involves partial or complete occlusion of a vein by a thrombus accompanied by inflammatory changes.

Characteristics and Examination of Thrombophlebitis

Superficial thrombophlebitis is characterized by warmth, tenderness, and noticeable varicosities in the affected area.
The Trendelenburg Test assesses venous insufficiency by evaluating the competence of the venous valves in the leg.

Examination Methods and Chronic Conditions

Examination for venous insufficiency includes assessing for warmth, tenderness, pitting edema, and varicosities.
Chronic venous insufficiency typically results in symptoms like swelling, skin changes, and often ulceration around the ankles.

Procedures for Varicose Veins

Catheter-based procedures destroy vein tissue in targeted varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosing agent into varicose veins to induce fibrosis and closure of the vein.

Edema and Filariasis

Non-pitting edema of one or both lower extremities may indicate impaired lymphatic flow or chronic venous insufficiency.
Lymphatic filariasis, a parasitic disease, is a common cause of secondary lymphedema.

Clinical Findings and DVT

'Spider veins' refer to widened venules with a fine, web-like appearance seen in superficial venous conditions.
Chronic ulceration with a weeping appearance can suggest venous insufficiency, while severe pain in the foot may indicate arterial insufficiency.

Risk Factors and Diagnoses for DVT

Aedes mosquitoes are commonly associated with lymphatic filariasis transmission.
Common symptoms of Acute Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) include swelling, pain, warmth, and discoloration of the affected leg.

Diagnosis and Management of DVT

Ultrasound is the gold standard for diagnosing DVT, especially above the knee.
Risk factors for DVT include immobility, surgery, and previous history of venous thromboembolism.

Treatment Approaches

Virchow’s Triad describes three factors contributing to DVT: stasis, hypercoagulability, and endothelial injury.
The primary management approach for Acute DVT typically includes anticoagulation therapy.

Preventive Measures and Symptoms

An Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter prevents pulmonary embolism by trapping thrombi before they reach the lungs.
Important preventive measures for DVT in hospitalized patients include early mobilization and the use of compression stockings.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency include swelling, aching, skin discoloration, and ulcerations.
Varicose veins are primarily characterized by tortuous and enlarged veins, often causing discomfort and aesthetic concerns.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatment options for varicose veins may include compression therapy and lifestyle modifications aimed at improving venous return.

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Description

Learn about venous disorders such as thrombophlebitis, DVT, chronic venous insufficiency, and varicose veins. Explore the examination for venous insufficiency including inspection for edema, size, symmetry, discoloration, and stasis dermatitis.