A client with peripheral vascular disease (PAD) is experiencing intermittent claudication and reports difficulty walking. What should the nurse encourage the client to do to improve exercise tolerance?
Avoiding all physical activity to prevent leg pain.
Walking until the pain becomes severe, then stopping.
Engaging in a daily high-intensity exercise regimen.
Gradually increasing walking distance over time.
The Correct Answer is D
A) This choice is incorrect because avoiding all physical activity can lead to deconditioning and worsen exercise tolerance over time. Regular exercise is beneficial for individuals with peripheral vascular disease (PAD) to improve blood flow and manage symptoms.
B) This choice is incorrect because waiting until the pain becomes severe and then stopping (known as the "stop-and-rest" method) is not recommended for individuals with PAD. This approach can lead to inadequate exercise and may not provide the benefits of regular walking.
C) This choice is incorrect because engaging in a daily high-intensity exercise regimen is not appropriate for individuals with PAD, especially if they experience intermittent claudication. High-intensity exercise can exacerbate leg pain and may not be well-tolerated.
D) This choice is correct. Gradually increasing walking distance over time is a recommended approach for individuals with PAD to improve exercise tolerance and manage intermittent claudication. The goal is to push the limits of walking distance without causing severe pain, allowing the individual to gradually build endurance and improve blood flow.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because hypertension (high blood pressure) is not a significant risk factor for venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency involves the impairment of venous valves and blood flow in the veins, not arterial hypertension.
B) This choice is incorrect because atherosclerosis is associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD), not venous insufficiency. Atherosclerosis involves the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow in the extremities.
C) This choice is correct. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs. DVT can lead to damage to the venous valves and veins, causing venous insufficiency and complications such as chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulcers.
D) This choice is incorrect because Raynaud's disease primarily affects the fingers and toes, causing them to spasm and change color in response to cold or stress. It is not directly related to the development of venous insufficiency.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) This choice is correct. A non-healing ulcer on the lower leg is a significant concern and requires immediate intervention. Non-healing ulcers can be a complication of peripheral vascular disease and may indicate impaired blood flow and tissue damage. Prompt assessment and treatment are necessary to prevent infection and promote wound healing.
B) This choice is incorrect because occasional leg cramps at night can be a common symptom, especially in older adults, and are not typically indicative of an acute medical emergency.
C) This choice is incorrect because mild coolness of the feet bilaterally can be a sign of reduced blood flow, but it is not an immediate concern requiring urgent intervention. However, it should be further assessed to determine the severity of the vascular condition.
D) This choice is incorrect because visible varicose veins on the calves, while often a cosmetic concern, are not typically associated with immediate risks. Varicose veins are dilated and twisted veins that result from venous insufficiency but are not an urgent medical condition.
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