Cardiovascular & Lymphatic Assessment – Lecture Review

Question-and-Answer flashcards covering key anatomy, physiology, assessment techniques, pathologies, and patient education points from the cardiovascular and lymphatic lecture.

What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?

To deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and remove CO₂ and metabolic waste.

Which vessels form the body’s high-pressure system?

Arteries

Which vessels are called “capacitance vessels” and why?

Veins, because they can stretch and hold large volumes of blood in a low-pressure system.

Name three mechanisms that help venous blood return to the heart.

Skeletal-muscle contraction, pressure changes during breathing, and intraluminal valves that prevent backflow.

List four easily palpated peripheral pulses in the upper extremity.

Temporal, carotid, brachial, radial (ulnar is harder but also present).

Why must you palpate only one carotid artery at a time?

Compressing both carotids can reduce cerebral blood flow and provoke syncope or stroke.

What tool is used if a pulse cannot be palpated manually?

A Doppler ultrasound device

Define ischemia.

Tissue damage caused by insufficient oxygenated blood flow.

Normal capillary refill time in adults is __.

Less than 2 seconds

What fingernail angle indicates clubbing?

180° between nailbed and finger

State three key functions of the lymphatic system.

1) Conserves fluid & plasma proteins, 2) Major part of immune defense, 3) Absorbs lipids from the small intestine.

Into which vessel does the right lymphatic duct empty?

Right subclavian vein

Which body side is drained by the thoracic duct?

The left side (and lower body below the diaphragm).

Name the four major clusters of palpable lymph nodes.

Cervical, axillary, epitrochlear, inguinal

Where is the epitrochlear node located?

In the antecubital fossa (3–5 cm above the medial epicondyle of the humerus).

Differentiate arteriosclerosis from atherosclerosis.

Arteriosclerosis = arterial wall stiffening; Atherosclerosis = lipid/plaque buildup inside the artery.

What classic symptom suggests peripheral artery disease (PAD)?

Intermittent claudication—calf pain induced by walking, relieved by rest.

Describe the purpose of the Modified Allen test.

To verify adequate ulnar collateral circulation before cannulating the radial artery.

Which color change on dependency suggests arterial insufficiency?

Rubor (dark red) of the foot after elevation and then dangling.

How is pitting edema graded?

By the depth of the indentation (e.g., 1+ to 4+); 2–4 mm pits represent 1+, deeper pits higher grades.

Describe a typical venous stasis ulcer.

Irregular borders, brown discoloration, weepy exudate, pain worsens at day’s end, improves with leg elevation.

Describe a typical arterial (ischemic) ulcer.

‘Punched-out’ edges, pale/cool foot, diminished pulses, pain increases with elevation, possible claudication history.

List two hallmark findings of acute deep-vein thrombophlebitis (DVT).

Sudden unilateral leg pain/swelling and warmth with possible cyanosis.

Give two preventive tips for patients at risk of varicose veins.

Wear compression stockings and avoid prolonged standing or sitting.

Daily foot-care advice for diabetic or PAD patients includes:

Inspect feet daily, wash/dry (especially between toes), apply light lotion then wipe excess, wear well-fitting shoes.

Between which intercostal spaces does the normal adult heart lie?

2nd to 5th intercostal spaces, from right sternal border to left mid-clavicular line.

Trace the normal blood flow starting with the vena cava.

Vena cava → Right atrium → Tricuspid valve → Right ventricle → Pulmonic valve → Pulmonary arteries → Lungs → Pulmonary veins → Left atrium → Mitral valve → Left ventricle → Aortic valve → Aorta → Body.

Which heart valves are atrioventricular (AV) valves?

Tricuspid (right) and Mitral/Bicuspid (left).

S₁ corresponds to closure of which valves?

AV valves (tricuspid and mitral) at the start of systole.

S₂ corresponds to closure of which valves?

Semilunar valves (aortic and pulmonic) at the start of diastole.

Define a murmur.

A swooshing, blowing sound from turbulent blood flow across a valve or vessel.

List the five traditional auscultatory areas in order.

Aortic, Pulmonic, Erb’s point, Tricuspid, Mitral (APE To Man).

Where is the point of maximal impulse (PMI) usually felt?

4th or 5th intercostal space at or medial to the left mid-clavicular line.

What is a palpable ‘thrill’ and what does it signify?

A vibration felt over a valve area, indicating turbulent blood flow (often a significant murmur).

What is a carotid ‘bruit’ and how is it detected?

A blowing sound from turbulent flow in the carotid; heard with the bell of the stethoscope.

Describe two normal cardiovascular changes in older adults.

Arterial stiffening (arteriosclerosis) raising systolic BP, and presence of extra beats/dysrhythmias.

Name four non-modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.

Age, sex, genetics/family history, and race/ethnicity.

Name four modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.

Smoking, hypertension, abnormal lipids/obesity, sedentary lifestyle (others: diabetes, diet, alcohol, stress).

List three classic signs of left-sided heart failure.

Pulmonary congestion/crackles, dyspnea/orthopnea, and cyanosis (remember: ‘Left = Lung’).

List three classic signs of right-sided heart failure.

Peripheral edema, distended jugular veins, and ascites/hepatosplenomegaly (remember: ‘Right = systemic/Away’).

Before palpating a patient’s PMI, why might you ask them to roll to the left side?

Left-lateral decubitus position brings the heart closer to the chest wall, making the impulse easier to feel.

What pulse grade is considered normal?

2+ (easily palpable, normal strength).

Bilateral leg edema usually suggests , whereas unilateral edema suggests .

Systemic cause such as heart failure; a local cause such as DVT or lymphedema.

What causes intermittent claudication pain to improve?

Resting or sitting, which reduces tissue oxygen demand.

Why is hair loss on the lower legs and feet clinically relevant?

It may signal chronic arterial insufficiency because hair follicles require good perfusion.