A nurse is assessing a client with suspected peripheral vascular disease. Which finding is most concerning and requires immediate intervention?

Swelling and tenderness in the calf

Intermittent claudication during physical activity

Cold, pale, and numb fingers or toes

Ulceration on the lower leg with foul-smelling discharge

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) This choice is concerning and may indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Swelling and tenderness in the calf can be a sign of a blood clot, and immediate evaluation is required to prevent potential complications such as a pulmonary embolism. However, it is not as critical as the finding in option D.

B) This choice is concerning and may indicate peripheral artery disease (PAD). Intermittent claudication during physical activity suggests reduced blood flow to the extremities, but it does not require immediate intervention.

C) This choice is concerning and may indicate Raynaud's disease. Raynaud's disease involves the fingers or toes turning white, then blue, and finally red due to blood vessel spasms, but it is not as urgent as the finding in option D.

D) This choice is correct. Ulceration on the lower leg with foul-smelling discharge indicates a severe complication of peripheral vascular disease, possibly related to peripheral artery disease (PAD) or venous insufficiency. Ulcers that have an unpleasant odor and are not healing require immediate intervention to prevent infection and further tissue damage.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) This choice is incorrect because deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs. DVT is characterized by swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected leg, but it does not cause leg pain that improves with rest.

B) This choice is correct. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition where there is a narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the extremities, leading to reduced blood flow. The hallmark symptom of PAD is intermittent claudication, which is leg pain that occurs during walking or physical activity and improves with rest.

C) This choice is incorrect because Raynaud's disease is a disorder that affects the blood vessels in the fingers and toes, causing them to spasm and turn white, then blue, and finally red. It is not characterized by leg pain while walking.

D) This choice is incorrect because varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins, usually in the legs, that can cause discomfort and cosmetic concerns. However, they do not typically cause leg pain that improves with rest.

A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) B. Raynaud's disease C. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) D. Varicose veins

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) This choice is incorrect because while smoking can be a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), diabetes and hypertension are not significant risk factors for this condition. DVT is more commonly associated with prolonged immobility, surgery, or trauma.

B) This choice is incorrect because Raynaud's disease is not directly related to smoking, diabetes, or hypertension. Raynaud's disease involves blood vessel spasms and is more commonly associated with exposure to cold temperatures or stress.

C) This choice is correct. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) involves the narrowing or blockage of arteries in the extremities, leading to reduced blood flow. Smoking, diabetes, and hypertension are significant risk factors for the development of PAD. Smoking damages blood vessels, diabetes increases the risk of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), and hypertension can lead to arterial damage and narrowing.

D) This choice is incorrect because varicose veins are typically caused by weakened or damaged valves in the veins, leading to the pooling of blood and the development of enlarged and twisted veins. Smoking, diabetes, and hypertension are not primary risk factors for varicose veins.

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A nurse is assessing a client with suspected peripheral vascular disease. Which finding is most concerning and requires immediate intervention?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client reports experiencing leg pain while walking that improves with rest. The nurse should suspect which peripheral vascular disease?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client has a history of smoking, diabetes, and hypertension. The nurse should recognize that these risk factors contribute to the development of which peripheral vascular disease?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A nurse is providing education to a client about peripheral vascular diseases. The nurse explains that these diseases primarily affect which body system?

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A nurse is caring for a client with peripheral vascular disease (PAD) who experiences intermittent claudication. What should the nurse encourage the client to do during episodes of leg pain?

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