NURS 371 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Ministry Of Intelligence, Caffeine, Fibrin
Document Summary
Risk factors: smoke, htn, hypercholesterolemia, aging, obesity, aa, hx of mi or cva. Blood flow decreases/ceases due to narrowing of blood vessels. Common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the lower limbs. Sx: intermittent pain in extremity (intermittent claudication) while walking. Skin is thin, dry, shiny, tight, scant hair bc little blood flow. Ulcers: high risk of ulcers on pressure points bc decreased blood flow. Ulcers are pale/gray/necrotic looking, rounded, regular in shape. Claudication can resolve in 10 minutes with rest bc increases blood flow to the extremity. Lactic acid is building up bc not enough o2. Can progress to constant pain as blockage increases. Arterial brachial index (abi): used as screening tool. Compares bp in ankle with bp in arm. Can show narrowing of arteries in the legs. Doppler ultrasound: roadmap of arteries to look for blockages in blood flow. Exercise regularly- walking is the most effective exercise for pad.
