A nurse is assessing client with advanced peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Which of the following findings would the nurse expect?
Shiny, hairless lower extremities.
Warm lower extremities.
Thin toenails.
Lower extremity bilateral pulse 3+
The Correct Answer is A
A) Shiny, hairless lower extremities: In advanced peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the skin on the lower extremities often appears shiny and hairless due to reduced blood flow. The lack of hair growth and the shiny appearance are indicative of ischemia and poor circulation, making this a common finding in clients with advanced PAD.
B) Warm lower extremities: This finding is not typical in advanced PAD. Due to compromised blood flow, the lower extremities are more likely to feel cool or cold to the touch rather than warm. Warm skin can indicate good blood flow, which is usually absent in cases of significant arterial disease.
C) Thin toenails: In advanced PAD, toenails may become thin and brittle due to insufficient blood supply, which can lead to impaired nail growth. This change is consistent with the overall effects of reduced circulation and is an expected finding in clients with advanced PAD.
D) Lower extremity bilateral pulse 3+: A 3+ pulse indicates a strong and bounding pulse, which is not typically present in advanced PAD. In fact, patients with PAD often exhibit diminished or absent pulses in the affected extremities due to poor arterial circulation. Therefore, this finding does not align with the expected assessment results for advanced PAD.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Intermittent claudication: This symptom is indicative of arterial insufficiency, not chronic venous insufficiency. Intermittent claudication is characterized by pain in the legs during activity due to insufficient blood flow, which is not typical in venous conditions.
B) Decreased pedal pulses: In chronic venous insufficiency, pedal pulses are usually normal. Decreased pedal pulses suggest arterial disease, where blood flow is compromised. Thus, this finding would not be expected in a client with venous insufficiency.
C) Bronze/brown discoloration of the skin: This is a hallmark finding in chronic venous insufficiency. The discoloration occurs due to the deposition of hemosiderin from the breakdown of red blood cells, which is a result of prolonged venous stasis and chronic edema, particularly around the lower extremities.
D) Cool skin temperature: Skin temperature in chronic venous insufficiency is typically warm due to increased blood flow and stasis in the veins. Cool skin temperature is more characteristic of arterial insufficiency, where blood supply is reduced and can lead to cooler extremities.
E) Full screen mode is in effect during your proctored testing: This statement is irrelevant to the clinical assessment of chronic venous insufficiency and serves no purpose in understanding the client’s condition. It does not contribute to the assessment findings.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Intermittent claudication: This term describes the leg pain and cramping that occurs during physical activity, such as walking, and is relieved by rest. It is a classic symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and results from insufficient blood flow to the muscles due to narrowed or blocked arteries. The client's description aligns perfectly with this definition.
B) Neuropathy: While neuropathy can cause leg pain, it typically presents differently, often with sensations like tingling, numbness, or burning rather than cramping during activity. Neuropathy does not specifically correlate with the pattern of pain relief upon resting, which is characteristic of intermittent claudication.
C) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): DVT generally presents with symptoms like swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the affected leg, rather than cramping pain that is related to activity. The pain associated with DVT is not typically relieved by rest, making this option inconsistent with the client’s symptoms.
D) Venous insufficiency: This condition is characterized by symptoms such as swelling, varicosities, and skin changes, primarily in the lower extremities. Pain related to venous insufficiency tends to occur after prolonged standing or sitting and is not typically relieved by rest in the same way as intermittent claudication. Therefore, this option does not accurately describe the client’s experience.