In: Nursing
The nursing is caring for a client with a history of Arteriosclerosis. During the physical assessment, the nurse is unable to palpate the left pedal pulse. What is arteriosclerosis? What is the expected assessment findings for a patient with a history of Arteriosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis is the thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the walls of arteries. The build-up of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls.
A build up of cholesterol plaque in the walls of arteries, causing obstruction of blood flow. Plaques may rupture, causing acute occlusion of the artery by clot. Expected assessment findings for a patient with a history of Arteriosclerosis will be peripheral artry disease. the absence of pedal pulses remains a manifestation of PAD , assessment findings could also indicate potential cardiovascular problems