Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
14:52
Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
Evaluation of lower extremity arterial circulation and implications for nursing practice
Phyllis A Bonham1, Teresa Kelechi
1Wound Care Education Program, College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA. pbonham1@comcast.net <pbonham1@comcast.net>
The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
|April 3, 2008
Summary
Lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) is a common condition often unrecognized by healthcare providers. Early assessment is crucial for preventing severe complications like limb loss and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Nursing Care
- Public Health
Background:
- Lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) impacts millions, causing significant disability and high healthcare costs.
- LEAD often presents asymptomatically until critical complications arise, affecting quality of life.
- Despite guidelines, LEAD remains underdiagnosed in approximately 50% of affected individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the assessment of lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD).
- To highlight the importance of early recognition and diagnosis in nursing practice.
- To discuss the risks, pathogenesis, and clinical characteristics of LEAD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and national guidelines on LEAD assessment.
- Synthesis of information on risk factors and disease progression.
- Description of common clinical presentations and diagnostic considerations.
Main Results:
- LEAD assessment is fundamental to effective nursing care.
- Underdiagnosis remains a significant challenge in managing LEAD.
- Understanding LEAD's characteristics is key to timely intervention.
Conclusions:
- Effective nursing assessment is vital for identifying LEAD.
- Improved recognition can mitigate severe consequences and reduce healthcare burdens.
- Further emphasis on assessment protocols is needed to address the diagnostic gap.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
The nursing management of a patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s health history and clinical manifestations.AssessmentHealth History: Evaluate the patient’s history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of cardiovascular issues, and lifestyle factors such as dietary patterns, smoking, and physical activity.Physical Examination:Assess the affected extremity for decreased or absent peripheral pulses, temperature changes,...
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...
01:23Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management
Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
01:30Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Palpation involves feeling the body to evaluate texture, size, consistency, and tenderness for assessing cardiovascular health. The following steps are organized in a head-to-toe order:
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...