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 while administering analgesics for pain relief is important for the client's comfort, it is not the priority in this situation. The non-healing ulcer may require further assessment and interventions beyond pain relief.

B) This choice is correct. In a client with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and a non-healing foot ulcer, there is a risk of infection due to reduced blood flow and compromised tissue healing. Initiating prophylactic antibiotics is a priority to prevent or manage infection and promote wound healing.

C) This choice is incorrect because elevating the affected foot can be beneficial to improve blood flow in individuals with venous insufficiency or edema but may not be as effective for individuals with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

D) This choice is incorrect because promoting regular foot inspections is essential for clients with peripheral vascular diseases, but in this case, the non-healing ulcer requires immediate attention. Proper wound care, including assessment, cleaning, and dressing, should be part of the client's plan of care, but antibiotic therapy is the priority in this situation.

A. Intermittent claudication. B. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). C. Raynaud's phenomenon. D. Chronic venous insufficiency.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) This choice is correct. Intermittent claudication is a hallmark symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It refers to pain, cramping, or weakness in the legs that occurs during physical activity and is relieved by rest. This symptom is due to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the muscles during exercise.

B) This choice is incorrect because deep vein thrombosis (DVT) typically presents with symptoms such as swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the affected leg, but it does not cause pain that is relieved by rest.

C) This choice is incorrect because Raynaud's phenomenon primarily affects the fingers and toes, causing them to turn white, then blue, and finally red due to blood vessel spasms in response to cold or stress. It is not associated with pain in the legs during walking.

D) This choice is incorrect because chronic venous insufficiency involves symptoms such as leg swelling, skin changes, and the development of venous ulcers, but it is not characterized by pain that occurs with walking and is relieved by rest.

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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 with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has a non-healing ulcer on the foot. The nurse should prioritize which action in the client's plan of care?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with peripheral vascular disease (PAD) reports experiencing pain in their legs that occurs with walking and is relieved by rest. The nurse recognizes this symptom as:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) presents with edema and skin changes in the lower legs. What should the nurse include in the plan of care to manage these symptoms?

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A nurse is providing education to a client with peripheral vascular disease about ways to improve blood circulation. Which activity should the nurse recommend?

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