What's the difference between peripheral arterial "insufficiency" vs. peripheral arterial occlusive disease?

Question

I'm a nursing student.... my books are not clear on this at all. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

The difference is in the word that is different. Occlusive, as you know, means blocking.
Insufficiency means that the blood still flows, in decreased amount, but keeps flowing. It is similar to CAD, but in the lower extremities. The Pt might suffer impotency in some cases.
An example of occlusive disease is the thromboangiitis obliterans, that involves inflammation of the arteries and thrombosis. The prognosis is very dismal if the Pt refuses to stop smoking

Answer 2

Diabetic Nerve Pain affects the NERVES. Peripheral Arterial Disease affects the blood vessels, causing pain. A simple Sphignomometer (blood pressure cuff) can be used to check the blood pressure in the extremities. If the blood pressure is normal then Peripheral Arterial Disease is probably NOT the cause. MRIs and CAT Scans can be used to give an internal picture of what is going on, and help to further clarify and isolate the disease. Note, though, the diabetes is often a cause of Peripheral Arterial Disease, so the two MAY be co-committant

Answer 3

A much misused term, even among doctors. Occlusion is completely blocked. Narrowing, or insufficiency means not able to carry the necessary amount of blood to the extremity.