Learn how to identify and diagnose varicose veins with these printable medical flash cards.
There are 12 flash cards in this set (2 pages to print.)
To use:
1. Print out the cards.
2. Cut along the dashed lines.
3. Fold along the solid lines.
Sample flash cards in this set:
Questions | Answers |
---|---|
Description of Varicose Vein | Veins in which valves become incompetent and allow blood flow in the reverse direction resulting in dilated, tortuous, elongated veins |
Assessment Findings of Varicose Veins | Leg aching/burning/cramping Fatigue Orthostatic edema Visibly dilated and tortuous veins in lower extremities Symptoms may be worse during menses |
Nonpharmacologic Management of Varicose Veins | Support Hose Avoid long periods of standing in one place Surgical ligation and stripping Endovenous saphenous vein obliteration Weight loss if obese Pt education |
Follow-Up for DVTs | Usually on oral anticoagulation therapy for 3-12 months depending on etiology |
Description of Deep Vein Thrombosis | The presence of a blood clot in the venous system of the extremities or the pelvis which may migrate to the lungs |
Etiologies of DVTs | Hypercoagulable: Oral contraceptives, Blood dyscrasias, Malignant tumors, Pregnancy Stasis: Postoperative period, Postpartum, Pregnancy Trauma: Injury to the epithelium of the vein, Hypercoagulability, Stasis Septic: Especially from the placement of an indwelling catheter in a vein |
Risk Factors for DVTs | Immobility Malignancy Trauma, especially crush injuries Obesity Pregnancy with hypertension, eclampsia, Increasing Age, Oral Contraceptive use, Smoking, Postoperative status Placement of an indwelling catheter |
Assessment Findings with DVTs | Asymptomatic; especially initially Pain, warmth, erythema, tenderness, swelling of effected extremity Selling without tenderness of the extremity Palpable cord over the involved vein Positive Homan sign (Calf pain with dorsiflexion of the foot); low sensitivity and specificity |
Diagnostic Studies is DVTs | D-dimer: If negative, DVT, PE highly unlikely US: inability to compress affected venous segment is diagnostic of thrombus Contrast venography CBC: Elevated white count in sepsis |
Nonpharmacologic Management of DVTs | Hospitalization required for acute DVT for anticoagulation therapy until pt transitioned to Coumadin Pt education |
Pharmacologic Management of DVTs | Heparin, unfractionated heparin, or low molecular weight heparin Antibiotics if sepsis suspected |
Pregnancy Considerations in DVTs | Warfarin and NSAIDs are contraindicated Heparin is a large molecule and does not cross placenta |