Extremities and Peripheral Vascular Exam

Question 1

Part 1: Inspection

What do you assess? (3)

Answer 1

Capillary refill–check BOTH upper/lower extremities: pressure applied to nail beds.

Muscular atrophy–check BOTH upper/lower extremities.

Look for varicose veins.

Question 2

Part 2: Palpate

What do you assess? (2)

Answer 2

Skin temperature and texture (head to toe)

Pitting edema

Question 3

Part 3: Auscultate

What do you assess?

Answer 3

carotid arteries– pt hold breath, listen both sides

aorta

renal arteries

iliac arteries

femoral arteries

Question 4

Part 4: Palpate pulses

What do you assess? (6)

Answer 4

Radial

Brachial

Femoral

Popliteal

Dorsalis Pedis

Posterior Tibialis (found medial behind bone)