Assesment of Peripheral Vascular System

Technique 1. Palpate the peripheral pulses (except the carotid pulse) on both sides of the clients body. Normal Findings Symmetric pulse volumes, regular and even in intensity Abnormal Findings Absent, weak/thread, bounding, biferiens, pulsus aternans, pulsus bigeminus, pulsus paradoxus, water-hammer, corrigans pulse and unequal Varicosities, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), shunts, overlying inflammation and tenderness Presence of phlebitis, venous insufficiency, lymphedema Edema, Raynauds disease, pallor, cyanosis, rubor

2. Inspect the peripheral veins in both arms and legs. 3. Assess the peripheral leg veins. 4. Inspect hands and feets skin.

Absence of varicosities, tenderness and inflammation

Absence of varicosities, tenderness and inflammation Skin should immediately fall back into place. Skin should be

5. Assess the adequacy of arterial flow if arterial insufficiency is suspected.

elastic without tenting or edema. No arterial insufficiency.

and erythema Arterial insufficiency