Question

This discussion question will allow you the opportunity to further understand the differences between PVD vs. PAD. You may use your textbook as an additional resource. After watching the video, choose either PVD or PAD and in 20+ sentences discuss the following: 1. The pathophysiology of the condition you have chosen. 2. The assessment findings in a patient with the condition you have chosen. 3. Two relevant nursing diagnosis for patients with your selected condition. 4. Five nursing interventions for the patient with your chosen condition, with two involving patient teaching.

Answer 1

PAD(Peripheral arterial disease) is a chronic disorder in which there is narrowing and partial or total occulsion of arteries resulting in deprivation of oxygen and nutrients in the lower extremities.

1.Pathophysiology of PAD

• Deposition of plaques in the walls ot the arteries causes stenosis and narrowing of the lumen of the arteriest.
• progression of the disease causes complete occlusion of the arterial lumen
• This leads to lack of oxygen and blood supply to the area below the level of occlusion. Ischemia results due to imbalance in the peripheral tissue demand and blood supply
• Ulcer formation Necrosis of the affect part

2. Assessment findings in patient with PAD

• Pain and cramps in the legs , irregular in nature which occurs after walking a few blocks
• the lower extremities is found to be pallor on elevation and rubor when dependent ,
• rest pain, burning, numbness and itching in the lower extremities relieved by placing the extremitty in depending position
• absence or decreased peripheral pulse
• changes in the temperature and color of the skin in the lower extremities( cold and bluishish color) due to ischemia
• blood pressure reading show low pressure at the thigh, calf and ankle than the brachial pressure

3. Nursing Diagnosis:

a) Activity intolerance related to lack of blood supply to the lower extermities

b) Acute pain related to impaired blood flow and low oxygen supply to the lower extremities

4.Nursing intervention

• Check the skin color, temperature ,ulcer formation in the lower extremities
• plan for exercise session with the patient to improve blood flow
• Assess the patient pain level using pain scale
• Teach patient to elevate the feet below the heart level while resting
• Instruct patient not to cross the legs to avoid interference in blood flow.