Venous Disorders & Problems of Peripheral Circulation

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to venous disorders, pathology, clinical manifestations, and management strategies.

Venous Thrombosis

Formation of a blood clot in a vein.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A specific type of venous thrombosis occurring in the deep veins, typically of the legs.

Thrombophlebitis

Inflammation of a vein associated with a blood clot.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

A condition that includes both DVT and pulmonary embolism.

Phlebothrombosis

The formation of a thrombus in a vein without inflammation.

Virchow's Triad

The three factors that contribute to thrombosis: stasis of blood, vessel wall injury, and altered coagulation.

Stasis of Blood

Slowed blood flow caused by various factors like immobility or varicose veins.

Vessel Wall Injury

Damage to the blood vessel wall due to trauma or invasive procedures.

Altered Coagulation

Changes in blood coagulation factors that can increase the risk of clotting.

Hypercoagulability

An increased tendency of blood to clot, which can be due to genetic or acquired factors.

Clinical Manifestations of DVT

Symptoms include leg circumference difference, erythema, warmth, tenderness, fever, and dilated veins.

Risk Factors for DVT

Includes history of varicose veins, cancer, old age, BMI > 35, and recent major surgery.

Prevention of DVT

Strategies include use of compression stockings, exercise, and anticoagulant medications.

Medical Management of DVT

Includes heparin, oral anticoagulants, and thrombolytic therapy.

Nursing Management for DVT

Involves monitoring labs, administering medications, and promoting ambulation.

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter

A device placed in the IVC to prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs.

Varicose Veins

Enlarged veins caused by malfunctioning valves leading to blood pooling.

Clinical Manifestations of Varicose Veins

Symptoms include dull aches, muscle cramps, and lower extremity fatigue.

Diagnosis of Varicose Veins

Key diagnostic methods include venous duplex scan and air plethysmography.

Prevention Strategies for Varicose Veins

Includes avoiding tight clothing, frequent position changes, and elevating legs.

Surgical Management for Varicose Veins

Options include ligation & stripping, sclerotherapy, and ablation.

Post-Phlebitic Syndrome

A condition resulting from valve injury leading to chronic venous issues.

Clinical Manifestations of Post-Phlebitic Syndrome

Includes edema, hemosiderosis, and varicosities.

Management of Post-Phlebitic Syndrome

Strategies include leg elevation, compression stockings, and walking.

Vascular Ulcers

Ulcers that occur due to insufficient vascular supply or pressure.

Pathophysiology of Vascular Ulcers

Results primarily from increased venous pressure or ischemia.

Management of Venous Ulcers

Includes wound cleaning, debridement, and possible antibiotic treatment.

Debridement Types for Ulcers

Methods include surgical, wet-to-dry, enzymatic, and autolytic.

Lymphedema

Swelling due to accumulation of lymph fluid from obstruction or damage.

Clinical Manifestations of Lymphedema

Soft tissue swelling that progresses to firm, non-pitting edema.

Stemmer Sign

A test indicating lymphedema; inability to pinch a thin fold of skin.

Management of Lymphedema

Includes compression, exercise, and potential surgical intervention.

Cellulitis

An acute bacterial skin infection characterized by inflammation.

Clinical Manifestations of Cellulitis

Symptoms include swelling, redness, pain, and fever.

Management of Cellulitis

Treatment may involve antibiotics and local care of the infection site.

Anticoagulant Medications

Drugs that help prevent blood clot formation.

Compression Stockings

Elastic stockings that help improve venous return and reduce edema.

Thrombectomy

A surgical procedure to remove a blood clot from a blood vessel.

Wells Score

A clinical prediction rule for assessing the probability of DVT.

D-Dimer Blood Test

A lab test that measures the presence of clot degradation products.

Varicosities Pathophysiology

Involves vein wall incompetence leading to abnormal blood flow.

Sclerotherapy

A medical procedure that involves injecting a solution to close off a vein.

Ablation

A technique using heat or chemical agents to destroy abnormal veins.

Venous Duplex Scan

An imaging test used to visualize blood flow in veins.

Air Plethysmography

A method to assess changes in venous blood volume.

Venography

An X-ray test that uses a special dye to visualize veins.

Patient Education for Lymphedema

Instructions for skincare, avoiding trauma, and managing symptoms.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

A condition where veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart.