Vascular Disease

Question 1

Aldosterone

Answer 1

MOA: Stimulates the kidney to reabsorb Na+ in exchange for secreting potassium and H+

• High Na+ -> fluid retention & increased BP
• High H+ secretion -> metabolic alkalosis

Question 2

Arteries

Answer 2

• Thick-walled (intima, media, adventitia)
• Carries oxygenated blood from the heart to various parts of the body
• More rigid
• Can handle high pressure blood flow

Question 3

Veins

Answer 3

• Thin-walled (intima, media, adventitia)
• Carries de-oxygenated blood from various parts of the body to the heart
• More distensible
• Has semilunar valves that allow flow in 1 direction only, low pressure blood flow

Question 4

Lymphatics

Answer 4

• Lymphatic system: Vascular network, drains lymph from tissues –> venous circulation; immune system
• Lymph Nodes: round, oval, or bean-shaped structures; variable sizes; engulf debris & bacteria –> immune system
• Lymphadenopathy: Enlargement of lymph nodes +/- tenderness
• Edema: Increased interstitial fluid resulting from lymph disruption or disturbance of hydrostatic or osmotic forces

Question 5

PAD

Answer 5

Stenotic, occlusive, or aneurysmal disease of the arteries (except coronary & brain arteries)

• d/t atherosclerosis, embolism, or thrombus
• Underdiagnosed, usually asymptomatic
• Pain, cold, numbness, pallor, or hair loss on the lower extremities; edema +/- redness in LEs; color changes in fingers/toes in cold; intermittent claudication (pain in legs w/ exertion, releived w/ rest in 10 min.)