Final answer:
In peripheral vascular disease, nursing care involves understanding decreased blood flow due to plaque buildup, known as peripheral artery disease. Increased blood viscosity can worsen this condition. Lower ankle blood pressure compared to the upper arm is typical in PAD.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is planning care for a client diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease, which is characterized by decreased blood flow due to the buildup of plaque inside the arterial walls, leading to peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD typically results in pain stemming from insufficient blood flow, most commonly in the legs. It's important to note that increased viscosity of the blood actually impedes blood flow, rather than increases it, contributing to the challenges of PAD. In cases of inflammation, increased blood flow leads to the redness associated with the inflammatory response.
For a client with PAD, the blood pressure at the ankle is typically lower than the blood pressure at the upper arm due to reduced blood flow. Three components of arterial plaque include cholesterol, fatty substances, and calcium. Slight vasodilation in an arteriole prompts a decrease in resistance to blood flow; however, this can be affected by factors such as physical activity, body temperature, and certain drugs like cocaine, which causes vasoconstriction and an increase in blood pressure.