Question

1. Describe the structure and functions of blood vessels, including capillaries, and lymphatic circulation.
2. Discuss risk factors for peripheral vascular disease across cultures and ways to reduce one’s risks.
3. Describe the differences between arterial insufficiency and venous insufficiency.
4. Describe edema and its causes. How is it graded?
5. Formulate a valid nursing diagnosis in proper PES format related to an issue with the peripheral vascular system.

Answer 1

Ans) Blood vessels form a tubular network throughout the body that allows blood to flow from the heart to every body cell and then back to the heart. The three types of blood vessels are arteries, capillaries, and veins. Each blood vessel consists of a layered wall surrounding a central blood-containing space, or lumen.

- Factors that increase your risk of developing peripheral artery disease include:
Smoking.
Diabetes.
Obesity (a body mass index over 30)
High blood pressure.
High cholesterol.
Increasing age, especially after reaching 50 years of age.
A family history of peripheral artery disease, heart disease or stroke.

- Venous insufficiency refers to improper functioning of the one-way valves in the veins. Veins drain blood from the feet and lower legs uphill to the heart. Arterial insufficiency refers to poor blood circulation to the lower leg and foot and is most often due to atherosclerosis.

- Edema: Puffiness caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

• Several diseases and conditions may cause edema, including:
Congestive heart failure
Cirrhosis
Kidney disease
Kidney damage
Weakness or damage to veins in your legs
Inadequate lymphatic system
Severe, long-term protein deficiency

Grading. Pitting edema is graded on a scale from 1 to 4, which is based on both the depth the "pit" leaves and how long the pit remains. A patient with a score of 1 has edema that is slight (roughly 2mm in depth) and disappears rapidly. A score of 2 is deeper (4mm) and disappears within 15 seconds.

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