The med surg peripheral artery disease quizlet
The med surg peripheral artery disease quizlet Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem characterized by narrowed arteries reducing blood flow to the limbs, especially the legs. It is a manifestation of atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up along the arterial walls. Understanding PAD is crucial for nursing and medical students, and resources like Quizlet serve as valuable tools for exam preparation and clinical understanding.
Quizlet offers a range of flashcards, quizzes, and study sets tailored to med-surg topics related to PAD. These resources help students grasp key concepts such as risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures, and management strategies. For instance, learners can review the common risk factors including smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. Recognizing these helps in early identification and prevention efforts in clinical practice. The med surg peripheral artery disease quizlet
The pathophysiology of PAD involves the development of atherosclerotic plaques within the peripheral arteries, leading to reduced blood flow. This diminished circulation results in symptoms like intermittent claudication—pain or cramping in the legs during activity which resolves with rest. Advanced stages may cause critical limb ischemia, with symptoms such as rest pain, non-healing wounds, or gangrene, necessitating urgent intervention.
Diagnostic tools frequently highlighted in Quizlet sets include the ankle-brachial index (ABI), duplex ultrasonography, angiography, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). The ABI compares blood pressure in the ankle with that in the arm, with values less than 0.9 indicative of PAD. These diagnostic measures are essential for confirming the presence and severity of the disease, guiding treatment plans. The med surg peripheral artery disease quizlet
The med surg peripheral artery disease quizlet Management of PAD, as emphasized in study resources, involves lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and sometimes surgical interventions. Patients are advised to quit smoking, adopt a healthy diet, and engage in supervised exercise programs to improve circulation. Pharmacological treatments include antiplatelet agents such as aspirin or clopidogrel to prevent clot formation, and medications like cilostazol to improve walking distance. In severe cases, procedures like angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow.
The med surg peripheral artery disease quizlet Quizlet also covers nursing considerations, focusing on patient education and monitoring. Nurses play a vital role in teaching patients about foot care, recognizing signs of worsening ischemia, and ensuring medication adherence. They also assess for peripheral pulses, skin changes, and temperature differences, which are critical indicators of disease progression or improvement.
The med surg peripheral artery disease quizlet In summary, Quizlet serves as an effective learning aid for understanding peripheral artery disease within the context of medical-surgical nursing. It consolidates essential knowledge about risk factors, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and management strategies, equipping students with the tools needed for both exams and clinical practice. Mastery of this content supports early detection, appropriate intervention, and improved patient outcomes.
