RNSG 1341: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY STUDY GUIDE EXAM
Peripheral Artery Disease-PAD
Define Disease/Pathophysiology: thickening of artery walls resulting in narrowing of arteries in
upper/lower extremities; decreases circulation
Signs/Symptoms
• Intermittent claudication-“pain with walking”-results from lactic acid buildup
• Atypical symptoms- burning, heaviness, pressure, soreness, tightness, weakness in ankle, foot,
hamstring, hip, knee, shin
• Paresthesia “numbness/tingling”
Nursing Assessment:
• History and physical exam
• Complications-leads to ischemia of the skin (breakdown) and muscles
Nursing Interventions/Management
• Main goal- Prevention; Risk factor reduction
• Treatment of Hyperlipidemia
• Structured Walking Program
• Foot Care
• Coordinate with PT/OT
Pertinent Medication Therapy
• Statins
, • Antiplatelets –Plavix
• ACE inhibitors
Diagnostic Procedures and Labs
• Lipid profile
• Doppler Ultrasound
• MRA (magnetic resonance
angiography) Discharge Planning/Patient
Teaching:
• Diet and Exercise
• Smoking Cessation
• After Care of Surgical Prevention- if indicated
• Pain Management
Deep Vein Thrombosis-DVT or VTE r/t Pulmonary Emboli
Define Disease/Pathophysiology: formation of a thrombus (blood clot) in association with
inflammation of the vein; caused by venous stasis (lack of movement/flow), damage to the endothelium,
and hypercoagulability of the blood
*Most common disorder of the veins
Signs/Symptoms –Risk Factors Table 37-8
• Unilateral extremity edema
• Pain and Tenderness (with palpation)
• Warm skin and redness
Nursing Assessment:
• History and physical exam
, • Monitor vital signs
• Inspect skin frequently
• Complications- Pulmonary Emboli (PE)
Nursing Interventions/Management Table 37-10
• Main goal- Pain relief
• Decrease Edema
• Monitor for and reduce risk of bleeding
• Avoid IM injections
• Minimize Venipunctures-Apply pressure to sites for 10 min
• Apply compression stockings
Pertinent Medication Therapy
• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Heparin
• Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
Diagnostic Procedures and Labs
• aPTT, INR, bleeding time
• Hgb/Hct, platelet
• D-dimer
• Venous Compression and/or Duplex
Ultrasound Discharge Planning/Patient Teaching:
• Avoid restrictive (tight) clothing
• Use electric razors
• Teach about the use of anticoagulant therapy
• Smoking Cessation
Peripheral Artery Disease-PAD
Define Disease/Pathophysiology: thickening of artery walls resulting in narrowing of arteries in
upper/lower extremities; decreases circulation
Signs/Symptoms
• Intermittent claudication-“pain with walking”-results from lactic acid buildup
• Atypical symptoms- burning, heaviness, pressure, soreness, tightness, weakness in ankle, foot,
hamstring, hip, knee, shin
• Paresthesia “numbness/tingling”
Nursing Assessment:
• History and physical exam
• Complications-leads to ischemia of the skin (breakdown) and muscles
Nursing Interventions/Management
• Main goal- Prevention; Risk factor reduction
• Treatment of Hyperlipidemia
• Structured Walking Program
• Foot Care
• Coordinate with PT/OT
Pertinent Medication Therapy
• Statins
, • Antiplatelets –Plavix
• ACE inhibitors
Diagnostic Procedures and Labs
• Lipid profile
• Doppler Ultrasound
• MRA (magnetic resonance
angiography) Discharge Planning/Patient
Teaching:
• Diet and Exercise
• Smoking Cessation
• After Care of Surgical Prevention- if indicated
• Pain Management
Deep Vein Thrombosis-DVT or VTE r/t Pulmonary Emboli
Define Disease/Pathophysiology: formation of a thrombus (blood clot) in association with
inflammation of the vein; caused by venous stasis (lack of movement/flow), damage to the endothelium,
and hypercoagulability of the blood
*Most common disorder of the veins
Signs/Symptoms –Risk Factors Table 37-8
• Unilateral extremity edema
• Pain and Tenderness (with palpation)
• Warm skin and redness
Nursing Assessment:
• History and physical exam
, • Monitor vital signs
• Inspect skin frequently
• Complications- Pulmonary Emboli (PE)
Nursing Interventions/Management Table 37-10
• Main goal- Pain relief
• Decrease Edema
• Monitor for and reduce risk of bleeding
• Avoid IM injections
• Minimize Venipunctures-Apply pressure to sites for 10 min
• Apply compression stockings
Pertinent Medication Therapy
• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Heparin
• Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
Diagnostic Procedures and Labs
• aPTT, INR, bleeding time
• Hgb/Hct, platelet
• D-dimer
• Venous Compression and/or Duplex
Ultrasound Discharge Planning/Patient Teaching:
• Avoid restrictive (tight) clothing
• Use electric razors
• Teach about the use of anticoagulant therapy
• Smoking Cessation
