Peripheral Vascular Examination: Arterial Pulses, Brachial, Radial, Ulnar, Femoral, Popliteal, Dorsalis Pedis, Posterior Tibial, Venous Circulation, Varicosities, Edema, Lymphedema, Lymph Nodes, Inguinal, Epitrochlear, Chronic Arterial Insufficiency, Chro

Peripheral Vascular Examination: Arterial Pulses, Brachial, Radial, Ulnar, Femoral, Popliteal, Dorsalis Pedis, Posterior Tibial, Venous Circulation, Varicosities, Edema, Lymphedema, Lymph Nodes, Inguinal, Epitrochlear, Chronic Arterial Insufficiency, Chronic Venous Insufficiency, Neuropathic Ulcers, Ulceration, Gangrene, Intermittent Claudication, Ankle-Brachial Index, Doppler Ultrasound, Pitting Edema, Skin Pigmentation, Hair Distribution, Temperature, Capillary Refill, Peripheral Arterial Disease, Venous Stasis, Risk Factors, Smoking, Diabetes, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026 arterial pulses: arm Brachial artery Radial artery Ulnar artery arterial pulses: leg Femoral artery Popliteal artery Dorsalis pedis artery Posterior tibial artery veins thing 2/3 volume unidirectional valves more prone to dilation (weaker) the lymphatic system and lymph nodes vascular functions - drain lymph fluid from body tissues and return to venous circulation immune functions only superficial nodes are accessible lymphatic system - inguinal system superficial, horizontal, vertical Edema - produced by four mechanisms Increased plasma volume from sodium retention Increased capillary membrane permeability, related to burns, snake bites, angioedema, allergic reactions Low plasma protein levels caused by renal disorders Blockage or inadequate removal of lymphatic fluid (lymphedema) PVD common or concerning symptoms Pain in the arms or legs Intermittent claudication Cold, numbness, or pallor in the legs; hair loss Swelling in the calves, legs, or feet Swelling with redness or tenderness Need to ask specific questions of certain individuals, may not recognize some conditions as symptoms Patients over 50 Risk factors: Smoking Diabetes HTN elevated cholesterol CAD Questions to ask Pain or cramping in legs? Coldness, numbness, pallor in legs? Hair on shin? Aching or pain in lower leg or foot? Fatigue or aching with prolonged standing? Swelling of feet or legs? Varicose veins? Nonhealing or slow healing wounds? Fingertips or toes change color in cold weather? Erectile dysfunction? Abdominal pain after eating? Tender or swollen lymph nodes?