The term peripheral vascular disease (PVD) & peripheral artery disease (PAD) are common concerns. PAD is a type of PVD. Peripheral Vascular Disease causes problems that alter blood flow through both the arteries and veins. Peripheral artery disease causes problems only with blood flow through the arteries. Answer the following:
- Analyze what are the signs and symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PVD) and discuss what Diagnostic Studies are utilized.
- Develop a plan of care for patients at risk for PAD/PVD, potential complications when untreated and determine how a professional nurse would educate patients regarding health promotion and prevention.
- Select the treatment goals for PAD/PVD and discuss & evaluate how a nurse would determine if treatment is effective.
- Describe what physical assessment findings would be found which would determine the presence of PAD/PVD and in detail, describe what questions a nurse would ask during an assessment/admission interview to determine the presence of PAD/PVD.
- Identify at least three different medications used to treat PAD/PVD, and describe the nursing implications and patient teaching for each of the medications.
- Discuss the pros and cons of angioplasty, bypass surgery and thrombolytic therapy, and determine nursing care following each of these treatments.
