Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management of a patient with peripheral artery disease begins with assessing the patient's health history, including hypertension and lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and physical activity.

Then, assess the affected extremity for leg pain, absent peripheral pulses, temperature, capillary refill time over three seconds, pallor with elevation, and dependent rubor.

Based on the assessment, formulate the nursing diagnosis:

Ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion, related to compromised arterial circulation, as evidenced by diminished peripheral pulses.

Impaired physical mobility related to pain, as evidenced by patient reports of 9/10 leg muscle pain while walking.

Lastly, implement the interventions:

Assist the patient with walking or graded isometric exercises to improve arterial blood flow.

Instruct the patient to walk until pain occurs, rest until it subsides, and then resume walking to increase endurance.

Position the affected limb below heart level.

Administer prescribed analgesics.

Encourage foot hygiene and the use of protective shoes.

Educate on quitting smoking, emphasizing the impact of nicotine on circulation.