CHAP21

Ischemia

Deficient supply of oxygenated arterial blood to a tissue caused by obstruction of a blood vessel.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

Affects noncoronary arteries and usually refers to arteries supplying the limbs.

Capacitance vessels

Veins are called this due to their ability to stretch.

Incompetent valves

Dilated and tortuous (varicose veins) wherein the lumen is so wide that the valve cusps cannot approximate.

Lymphatic system functions

Conserves fluid and plasma proteins, forms a major part of the immune system, and absorbs lipids from the small intestine.

Right lymphatic duct

Empties into the right subclavian vein.

Thymus gland

An organ related to the immune system that plays a role in the development of T-lymphocytes.

Claudication distance

The number of blocks walked or stairs climbed to produce pain.

Modified Allen test

Used to evaluate the adequacy of collateral circulation before cannulating the radial artery.

Pitting edema

Edema that can be graded based on indentation depth and duration.

Ankle-brachial index (ABI)

A noninvasive way to determine the extent of peripheral arterial disease.

Raynaud's Phenomenon

Episodes of abrupt, progressive tricolor changes in the fingers in response to cold, vibration, or stress.

Aneurysms

A sac formed by dilation in the artery wall.

Occlusions

Caused by atherosclerosis, which is the chronic gradual buildup of fatty streaks, fibroid plaque, calcification of the vessel wall, and thrombus formation.

Leg ulcers

Wounds on the leg that can be arterial, venous, or neuropathic in nature.

Deep Vein Thrombophlebitis

Deep vein occluded by a thrombus, causing inflammation, blocked venous return, cyanosis, and edema.