Chapter 21 Peripheral Vascular System & Lymphatic System

Arteries

the heart pumps oxygenated blood through body (away from heart)

Veins

veins absorb CO2 and waste products from periphery then carry them back to heart (To Heart)

Pulses for examination

Temporal

Carotid

Apical

Brachial

Radial

Femoral

Popliteal

Posterior Tibial

Pedal

How does pregnancy effect the peripheral vascular system?

Growing the uterus obstructs drainage of iliac veins and inferior vena cava which increases venous pressure (elevate feet) *this is water retention in lower legs

What effect does aging have on the peripheral vascular system?

Higher risk of MI (heart attack) due to blockages/plaque buildup over the years

Arteriosclerosis

Loss of lymphatic tissue (fewer # lymph nodes)

Whats arterioscerosis?

vessels grow rigid/hard

Culture and genetics impacts on peripheral artery disease

smoking- strongest risk factor

blacks & hispanics

Ankle brachial index

Symptoms of arterial insufficiency

pain worsens during walking/activity and subsides with rest

symptoms of venous insufficiency

pain worsens when standing and improves with leg elevation and activity

Capillary refill time

normal is less than 2 seconds

How to record pitting edema in legs

1+: 2mm

2+: 4mm

3+: 6mm

4+: 8mm

possible things to see in legs during pregnancy

bilateral pitting edema

varicose veins

What to do if you suspect arterial deficit (feet are cold)?

raise legs about 30cm (12in) off table and ask person to wag feet for 30 sec to drain off venous blood