NSG 353 Exam 3 Vascular disorders Test
Questions And All Correct Answers.
Does Peripheral artery disease (PAD) prevalence decrease or increase with age? - Answer increase
What is the leading cause of PAD? - Answer atherosclerosis
What are some PAD risk factors? - Answer tobacco use, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, HTN,
hypercholesterolemia, elevated C reactive protein, family history, increasing age, gender differences
(worse for women), hyperhomocysteinemia, hyperuricemia, obesity, sedentary life, stress
When do the clinical symptoms for PAD occur? - Answer when vessels are 60-75% blocked, in the lower
extremities
What are some of the clinical symptoms of PAD? - Answer intermittent claudication, atypical leg
symptoms, paresthesia, true peripheral neuropathy in pt with diabetes, skin (thin, shiny, taunt and hair
loss), pedal/popliteal/femoral pulses are diminished or absent, rest pain
What appears on the skin in PAD patients? - Answer pallor (in response to leg elevation), reactice
hyperthermia (redness of foot) when the limb is in dependent position
What are some complications of PAD? - Answer prolonged ischemia (leads to atrophy of the skin and
underlying muscles), even minor trauma can result in delayed healing, wound infection, tissue necrosis,
arterial ulcers occur on bony prominences, non-healing ulcers & gangrene (most serious complications)-
> may lead to amputation
What are the diagnostic tests for PAD? - Answer doppler ultrasound, segmental BPs, angiography, MRA,
ankle-brachial index (not useful in diabetics or older pts with arteries that are calcified & non
compressible)
What is the inter-professional care for PAD patients? - Answer lifestyle changes (sodium, DASH diet),
drug therapy (anti platelet oral agents), exercise, nutritional therapy, care of leg with critical limb
ischemia
, What is the optimal therapy for a pt with critical leg ischemia? - Answer revascularization therapy via
bypass surgery (if surgery not feasible, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty & drug therapy)
What is the conservative management of a pt with critical leg ischemia? - Answer carefully inspect,
cleanse & lubricate feet to prevent cracking of the skin and infection (avoid lubrication between toes &
soaking of feet to prevent skin maceration), cover any ulcers with a dry&sterile dressing
Can deep ulcers be treated with wound care products? - Answer Yes, but healing is unlikely without
increased blood flow
When will most patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) die? - Answer within 5 years
What are some potential complications of lower extremity PAD? - Answer altered perfusion, bleeding,
hematoma, thrombosis, embolism, compartment syndrome
What manifestations suggest blockage of a graft or stent and should be reported to HCP immediately? -
Answer a dramatic increase in pain, loss of previously palpable pulses, extremity pallor or cyanosis,
numbness and tingling, or a cold extremity
What position should you avoid for a patient with lower extremity PAD? - Answer knee-flexed position
(except for exercise)
What are some other nursing interventions for patients with lower extremity PAD? - Answer turn pt
frequently with pillows to support incision, post op day 1, assist pt out of bed several times/day,
discourage prolonged sitting with leg dependency (increases pain & edema, increases risk of venous
thrombosis & places stress on suture lines)
What is acute arterial ischemic disorder? - Answer A sudden interruption of arterial blood supply to a
tissue, organ, or an extremity
If acute arterial ischemic disorders are left untreated... - Answer can result in tissue death
