PAD vs Venous Insufficiency- Adult Health 2

What is PAD?

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is narrowing or blockage of arteries that decreases blood flow to the extremities.

What vessel is affected in PAD?

Arteries.

What do arteries carry blood?

Away from the heart.

What is the main cause of PAD?

Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries).

What is the main problem in PAD?

Decreased arterial blood flow and poor oxygen delivery to tissues.

What is chronic venous insufficiency?

A condition where venous valves fail, causing blood to pool in the legs.

What vessel is affected in chronic venous insufficiency?

Veins.

What do veins carry blood?

Back toward the heart.

What is the main problem in venous insufficiency?

Blood pooling due to incompetent valves, causing increased venous pressure.

What are the major risk factors for PAD?

Smoking, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, aging, and cardiovascular disease.

What are the major risk factors for venous insufficiency?

Aging, obesity, prolonged standing, previous DVT, and valve damage.

What is the temperature of the extremity in PAD?

Cool or cold.

What is the temperature of the extremity in venous insufficiency?

Warm.

What color changes occur with PAD?

Pale skin (pallor).

What color changes occur with venous insufficiency?

Brown discoloration from hemosiderin deposits.

Are pulses present in PAD?

Weak or absent pulses.

Are pulses present in venous insufficiency?

Pulses are usually present.

Is edema common in PAD?

No, edema is usually absent.

Is edema common in venous insufficiency?

Yes, edema is common.

What type of pain occurs with PAD?

Intermittent claudication (pain with walking that improves with rest).

What type of pain occurs with venous insufficiency?

Aching, heaviness, and discomfort in the legs.

What causes intermittent claudication in PAD?

Muscles do not receive enough oxygen during activity due to decreased arterial flow.

What does rest pain indicate in PAD?

Severe arterial disease.

What happens to the skin in PAD?

Skin becomes thin, shiny, cool, and hair loss may occur.

What happens to the skin in venous insufficiency?

Skin becomes thickened, warm, and may have brown discoloration.

Where are PAD ulcers usually located?

Toes, feet, or pressure areas.

Where are venous ulcers usually located?

Around the medial ankle.

What do PAD ulcers look like?

Round, deep, punched-out, necrotic ulcers.

What do venous ulcers look like?

Irregular borders, shallow wounds, and may have drainage.

Why do PAD ulcers heal poorly?

Decreased arterial blood flow prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching tissue.

Why do venous ulcers heal poorly?

Chronic swelling and venous pooling impair healing.

What sensory changes occur with PAD?

Numbness, tingling, and decreased sensation.

What sensory changes occur with venous insufficiency?

Sensation is usually intact but may be affected by swelling.

What is the biggest nursing concern with PAD?

Poor tissue perfusion and risk for tissue necrosis/gangrene.

What is the biggest nursing concern with venous insufficiency?

Edema, skin breakdown, and venous ulcers.

What is the appearance of a PAD leg?

Cold, pale, hairless, thin skin with weak pulses.

What is the appearance of a venous insufficiency leg?

Warm, swollen leg with brown discoloration and visible veins.

What is the mnemonic to remember PAD?

PAD = Poor Arterial Delivery (cold, pale, no pulses, no edema).

What is the mnemonic to remember venous insufficiency?

Venous = Valve failure causing pooling, swelling, and warmth.

What is the priority intervention for PAD?

Improve circulation, protect feet, encourage walking program, and stop smoking.

What is the priority intervention for venous insufficiency?

Compression therapy, leg elevation, and improving venous return.

Why should heating pads NOT be used with PAD?

Decreased sensation increases the risk of burns.

Why are compression stockings used for venous insufficiency?

They improve venous return and decrease pooling.

Why are compression stockings avoided in severe PAD?

They can further decrease arterial blood flow.

What type of exercise helps PAD?

Progressive walking program.

What lifestyle change is important for both PAD and venous insufficiency?

Smoking cessation and maintaining a healthy weight.

What is a key NCLEX difference between PAD and venous insufficiency?

PAD = cold, pale, weak pulses, no edema. Venous insufficiency = warm, brown, edema, pulses present.

What condition causes gangrene and tissue necrosis?

Severe PAD.

What condition commonly causes medial ankle ulcers?

Venous insufficiency.

What condition is associated with claudication?

PAD.

What condition is associated with aching/heaviness and edema?

Venous insufficiency.

What condition requires avoiding compression stockings?

Severe PAD.

What condition benefits from compression stockings?

Venous insufficiency.