Factors in the rehabilitation of patients with peripheral vascular disease.

At some point in the progression of peripheral vascular disease, a hospitalized patient may require the services of a rehabilitation unit. All patients, however, can benefit from basic rehabilitative care that should begin at the time of initial diagnosis of their disease and be considered throughout their treatment course. The nurse in the clinic , in the intensive care unit, and on the medical and surgical units should be aware of potential factors that may prevent the person with peripheral vascular disease from realizing his full potential. Physical, psychologic, social, economic, vocational, and spiritual needs are all important factors in the rehabilitation process.