Cardiovascular & Pulmonary System Review

Question 1

Define edema

Answer 1

observable swelling from fluid accumulation outside of joint capsules

Question 2

Define effusion

Answer 2

fluid accumulation within a joint capsule or cavity and is cased by injury or inflammation

Question 3

Where is edema commonly found

Answer 3

in peripheral joints

Question 4

Where is peripheral edema commonly observed in physical therapy

Answer 4

the legs and feet

Question 5

Define pitting edema

Answer 5

visible indentation remains when finger is pressed into area and removed

Question 6

Define non pitting edema

Answer 6

no indentation remains when pressure is removed

Question 7

What are common causes of pitting edema

Answer 7

Heart disease
Kidney and liver disease
Chronic venous insufficiency
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT/blood clot)
Immobilization and inactivity

Question 8

What factors make testing for edema a priority

Answer 8

• History or risk of cardiovascular disease
• Postoperative (high risk DVT)
• Patient in bed or wheelchair for an extended period of time (risk for DVT)

Question 9

What factors make testing for edema pointless

Answer 9

no observable edema or risk factors for it

Question 10

How do you check for arterial blood flow

Answer 10

• Inspection: hair growth, nail condition, and color (bright red/grey are not good)
  -Pulses
• Temperature
• Capillary refill (< 2 sec is considered normal refill time)

Question 11

Rumor of Dependency Testing

Answer 11

1) place client in supine position
2) elevate legs 45 degrees and hold for up to 60 sec
- if a loss of color occurs, arterial involvement is suspected
3) bring client to a sitting position
- a quick pink flush should occur with normal circulation but with impaired circulation the color change may take 15 - 30 sec and will be bright red

Question 12

When is the ankle-brachial index (ABI) used

Answer 12

used to identify the presence or severity of impaired arterial blood flow (ischemia) to extremities

Question 13

How is the ankle-brachial index (ABI) measured

Answer 13

systolic blood pressure in the ankle over the systolic blood pressure in the arm on the same side of the body

Question 14

What factors make ankle-brachial index (ABI) a priority

Answer 14

• Signs or symptoms of arterial insufficiency in lower extremities
• Cardiovascular risk factors
• Assess severity of PAD (peripheral artery disease)

Question 15

What factors make ankle-brachial index (ABI) pointless

Answer 15

no known or suspected arterial insufficiency

Question 16

What are some common measures for assessing the cardiovascular & pulmonary system

Answer 16

• Rate of perceived exertion (RPE)
• Six minute walk test
• Aerobic capacity