title: Relieving intermittent claudication: a nursing approach.
abstract: Peripheral arterial disease affects at least 10% of adults older than 70 years. Risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, history of smoking, and genetics increase the incidence of the disease. Intermittent claudication, experienced as calf pain or cramping, is the primary symptom in patients with lower-extremity peripheral arterial disease. Patients with claudication are unable to walk even moderate distances. As a result, they often lead lives that are profoundly restricted. Medical therapeutic options available for patients with intermittent claudication are limited to a small number of medications and walking exercise rehabilitation. Walking exercise training can significantly increase ability and decrease calf discomfort for many patients. Nurses can have a major impact on improving the quality of life of patients with claudication, not only by seeking referrals to established institutional walking exercise programs, but also by helping patients in the community develop a personalized walking program. In this article, a nursing plan of care including short-term and long-term goals is addressed. A case study will illustrate the effectiveness and improved quality of life that an individualized program of walking exercise had for one community-based client.
authors.affiliation: Wound Center of Akron General Medical Center, OH 44301, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Bryant
authors.forename: B B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Turkoski
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors