HEAS 1000 - Peripheral Vascular & Cardiovascular Assessment (Answered) 2025/2026. 100% Verified.

HEAS 1000 - Peripheral Vascular &
Cardiovascular Assessment
(Answered) 2025/2026. 100% Verified.
Function of Veins

- Low pressure system
- Return blood to the heart
- Work against gravity
- One way valves

Function of Arteries

- High pressure system
- Carry blood from the heart to the body
- Utilizes the pumping action of the heart to carry blood

Brachial Artery

- Major artery of the arm
- Branches into radial and ulnar arteries
- Pulse to assess: radial
- Ulnar pulse: usually unpalpable

Femoral

- Major artery of the leg
- Branches into popliteal/post tibial/dorsalis pedis
- Pulses: popliteal/post tibial/dorsalis pedis

Developmental Variations in the Older Adult

- Decreased venous elasticity means varicosities
- Hair loss to extremities
- Decreased peripheral circulation means decreased pulses and cool temperature to limbs

Symptoms to Note

- Swelling
- Limb pain (intermittent claudication) or pain aggravated by sitting or standing
- Changes in sensation/colour/temperature to the extremities
- Open areas that are not healing

Arterial vs Venous Insufficiency: Pain

- Arterial: Intermittent claudication, relieved by rest
- Venous: Pain aggravated by sitting or standing

Arterial vs Venous Insufficiency: Pulses