Peripheral Vascular Assessment Quiz

When performing a peripheral vascular assessment on a patient, you are unable to palpate the ulnar pulses. The patient's skin is warm and capillary refill time is normal. You would:

• check for the presence of claudication.

• refer the individual for further evaluation.

• consider this a normal finding and proceed with the peripheral vascular evaluation.

• ask the patient if he/she has experienced any unusual cramping or tingling in his or her arm.

A modified Allen test is performed for which reason?

• Measure the rate of lymphatic drainage

• Evaluate the adequacy of capillary patency before venous blood draws

• Evaluate the adequacy of collateral circulation before cannulating the radial artery

• Evaluate the venous refill rate that occurs after the ulnar and radial arteries are temporarily occluded

A patient has a positive Homan's sign. You know that a positive Homan's sign:

• indicates a high risk of stroke.

• suggests the presence of deep vein thrombosis.

• confirms a diagnosis of peripheral artery disease.

• rules out the possibility of varicose veins.

Which of the following is a sign of venous stasis?

• A unilateral cool foot

• Thin, shiny, atrophic skin

• Pallor of the toes and cyanosis of the nailbeds

• A brownish discoloration to the skin of the lower leg

When auscultating over a patient's femoral arteries, the presence of a bruit on the left side indicates what?

• Bruits are often associated with venous disease.

• Bruits occur in the presence of lymphadenopathy.

• Hypermetabolic states will cause bruits in the femoral arteries.

• Bruits are associated with arterial disease.

Which condition is indicated by calf pain on dorsiflexion of the foot?

• Venous insufficiency

• Thrombophlebitis

• Severe edema

• Arterial circulation problems

What is the rationale for asking an obese patient to bend their knees to the side in a froglike position when assessing the femoral pulse?

• To increase comfort

• To expose the femoral area

• To reduce anxiety

• To improve circulation

What is a common cause of bruits in the femoral arteries?

• Venous disease

• Lymphadenopathy

• Hypermetabolic states

• Arterial disease

Which of the following is NOT a recommended position for assessing the femoral pulse?

• Prone position

• Froglike position

• Semi-Fowler's position

• Supine position

What is the significance of a brown discoloration in the lower leg?

• Indicates arterial insufficiency

• Sign of chronic venous stasis

• Result of acute inflammation

• Symptom of lymphatic obstruction