Peripheral vascular assessment: finding your way through arteries and veins

Vascular disease is a widespread health problem. Despite the advent of new, noninvasive and invasive testing methods, a thorough health history and physical examination remain the primary means of diagnosis. In this article, the author discusses vascular assessment of acute and critically ill patients, including inspection, palpation, and auscultation. Specific assessments for arterial disease and venous disease are discussed. A thorough vascular assessment aids in the planning and implementation of care and evaluation of response to treatment for these patients.