OverviewPeripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when the blood vessels (arteries) that supply blood to the legs, belly, pelvis, arms, or neck get narrow or blocked. This reduces blood flow to that area. The legs are affected most often. Show
PAD is often caused by fatty buildup (plaque) in the arteries. This buildup is also called "hardening" of the arteries. Your risk of PAD increases if you smoke or have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of PAD. Many people don't have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you may have weak or tired legs, difficulty walking or balancing, or pain. If you have pain, you might feel a tight, aching, or squeezing pain in the calf, foot, thigh, or buttock that occurs during exercise. The pain usually gets worse during exercise and goes away when you rest. If PAD gets worse, you may have symptoms of poor blood flow, such as leg pain when you rest. Medicines and lifestyle changes may help your symptoms and lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. In some cases surgery or other treatment is needed. It is important that you follow up with your doctor. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. How can you care for yourself at home?
When should you call for help?Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength or 2 to 4 low-dose aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.
Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if you have any problems. Where can you learn more?Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd Enter H735 in the search box to learn more about "Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Care Instructions". What action can the nurse take to uphold the ethical principle of fidelity?The nurse can uphold the ethical principle of fidelity by reporting unscrupulous billing practices. Disclosing the results of an HIV test to a patient's family would violate fidelity. Making health care decisions would violate autonomy. Accepting an assignment that is unsafe violates nonmaleficence.
Which statement by the nurse indicates the most important goal in the management of a severe disaster?Which statement by the nurse indicates the most important goal in the management of a disaster such as one caused by a category 5 hurricane? "Plan to prevent such disasters."
Which action by the nurse shows an understanding of the ethical principle of autonomy?Which action by the nurse shows an understanding of the ethical principle of autonomy? Allowing a patient the right to make decisions regarding his health care even if the nurse does not agree with his decisions.
Which statement by the nurse indicates an understanding of the definition of nursing informatics?Which statement by the nurse indicates an understanding of the definition of nursing informatics? "Nursing informatics is the specialty practice of nursing integrating nursing science with computer science and information science."
|