Master Arterial Ulcer Interventions with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Walking is the activity of choice and should be done at least three to five times a week for 30 to 40 minutes at a time. Patients should be taught to walk to the point of discomfort, stop and rest, and then resume walking until discomfort occurs again. Consistent exercise (walking) increases walking ability and lessens discomfort associated with intermittent claudication, or cramping, in those with PAD.

These medications work to break up clots that have already formed, reducing the risk that a clot will dislodge and cause further complications.

These medications reduce the risk of clot formation by preventing platelets from sticking together. Drugs such as aspirin are prescribed to patients with PAD to reduce the likelihood of adverse cardiovascular or ischemic events, such as stroke and myocardial infarction.

Caffeine and nicotine are both vasoconstrictors. Reducing intake of both of these can reduce the risk of further blood flow impairment in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Surgical procedures, such as a peripheral artery bypass, are intended to restore blood flow to the area(s) affected by the blocked artery. Surgeons try to preserve as much of the limb as possible, leaving amputation as the last option.