Vascular Disorder

Carotid artery disease (CAD)

Plaque found in carotid arteries, which can lead to stroke. Can cause ischemia of myocardium —> angina, and MI. Stenosis of renal arteries —> chronic kidney disease. Stenosis of extremity arteries —> PVD & claudication

The statins lower cholesterol by

Inhibiting a critical enzyme in liver

A blood clot that forms in a deep vein, breaks free and lodges in the lungs is known as a

thromboembolism

What are the three main consequences of atherosclerosis?

Myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and PAD

Peripheral vascular disease

General term referring to conditions affecting circulation other than the brain or heart.

Risk factors for PVD

Smoking, hypertension, CAD, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, adults over 50, male

Clinical manifestation of PVD

Impaired perfusion when blood supply is diminished, signs and symptoms of ischemia when cerebral perfusion pressure drops. Altered mental status due to decreased cerebral blood flow —> cessation of energy dependent brain processes and possible irreversible brain injury. Pain, local redness and edema

Consequence of PVD

Fluids and electrolytes don’t reach tissues and MODS may result. Acid base balance disturbed. Nutrition of tissue disturbed. Oxygenation to tissues is impaired because of blood clots in vessels

Manifestation of PVD:

Cognition can be affected by atherosclerosis or blood clots in brain vasculature

The nurse is caring for a patient with chronic venous insuffciency (CVI) The nurse should recognize the blood often has difficulty moving in which direction?

From legs to the heart

A patient with hypertension has been prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medication. Which effect does this class of medication have on the body?

Causes more sodium to be excreted

Which medical condition can be caused by plaque formation in the carotid arteries?

CAD —> Stroke

A patient with Raynaud disease experiences numbeness, tingling and an ashy white appearance of the hands. Which medication should the nurse anticipate being prescribed as the primary pharmacologic treatment for this patient?

Calcium channel blocker

Which body system helps develop hypertension in response to increased stress and high salt intake?

Sympathetic nervous system (SNS)

Which medical condition in childhood is likely to develop in individuals with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

Cardiovascular disease

A patient presents with dizziness, nosebleeds and a headache. Which medical condition should the nurse suspect?

Hypertension

The nurse notes bruit present over a patients carotid artery. What medical condition should the nurse suspect this patient is experiencing?

Atherosclerosis

Patient whose leg veins are unable to return adequate blood to the heart. Which condition does the patient have?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)

A patient with swollen veins in the lower left leg has developed a leg ulcer. Which condition does the patient have?

Phlebitis

The nurse notes that a patient with a slightly low blood pressure has a normal pressure several hours later.

Which hormone helped return this patient’s blood pressure back to normal?

Angiotensin II

A patient presents with chest pain, dyspnea, and blood pressure 220/140 mmHg after using cocaine. Which medical condition is most likely associated with the patient’s symptoms?

Hypertensive emergency

The nurse learns that a 28-year-old woman currently takes oral contraceptives.

Which medical condition should the nurse identify that this patient is at risk of developing?

Deep venous thrombosis due to increased risk of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs

A patient is diagnosed with arteriosclerosis.

Which medical condition should the nurse identify as a nonmodifiable risk factor for this disorder?

Hypercholesterolemia

Plaque formation can occur in any of the blood vessels throughout the body.

Which location affected with plaque formation can lead to stroke?

Carotid arteries

The nurse is concerned that a patient is at risk for rupture of atherosclerotic plaque in their legs.

For which health problem should the nurse plan care for this patient?

Thrombosis

A patient has an elevated blood pressure.

Which hormone should the nurse consider as a cause for this condition?

Aldosterone