Chapter 12 – Peripheral Vascular System Assessment
Key Takeaways
- The peripheral vascular system (PVS) is a continuous network of vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the periphery (arteries) and deoxygenated blood back to the heart and to the lungs for reoxygenation (veins).
- Common symptoms that can be related to the PVS include pain-related sensations, skin discolouration changes, skin temperature changes, edema, and ulcers.
- An objective assessment of the PVS includes inspection and palpation of hands and arms; inspection and auscultation of abdominal vasculature areas; and inspection and palpation of feet and legs.
- Health promotion interventions should be developed in collaboration with the client and focus on what is important to them.
