A nurse is collecting data from a client who has peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Intermittent claudication
Darkened skin color near extremities
Warm extremities
Edema
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason f:Intermittent claudication is a classic symptom of PAD, characterized by muscle pain or cramping in the legs triggered by exercise, such as walking, which typically disappears after a few minutes of rest. This symptom occurs due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles during increased demand.
Choice B reason :Darkened skin color near the extremities, also known as hyperpigmentation, can occur in PAD due to the chronic ischemia and the resultant buildup of waste products in the tissue, which may lead to skin changes.
Choice C reason :Warm extremities are not typically associated with PAD. In fact, patients with PAD may have cooler extremities compared to the rest of the body due to reduced blood flow.
Choice D reason :Edema is not a common finding in PAD. Instead, PAD can lead to decreased skin temperature, loss of hair, shiny skin, and non-healing wounds on the extremities due to poor circulation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason : Morphine is an opioid analgesic used to relieve severe pain and can be administered to patients with myocardial infarction to alleviate chest pain and anxiety. However, it is not the first medication given as it does not address the underlying cause of the myocardial infarction, which is the formation of a blood clot in the coronary arteries.
Choice B reason : Nitroglycerin is a nitrate that helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. It can be used to relieve chest pain in myocardial infarction, but similar to morphine, it is not the initial medication of choice. The priority is to prevent further blood clotting.
Choice C reason : Administered as soon as possible to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce clot progression.
Choice D reason : When a myocardial infarction (MI) is suspected, the priority is to address tissue hypoxia and ensure adequate oxygenation to minimize myocardial damage. Administering oxygen helps increase oxygen availability to the ischemic heart tissue, reducing further damage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason : Thickened toenails are often associated with fungal infections and are not a direct symptom of venous insufficiency. However, they can appear in patients with chronic venous insufficiency due to poor circulation that affects the health of the toenails.
Choice B reason : Shiny, thin skin on the lower extremities is more characteristic of arterial insufficiency, where there is a reduction in blood flow and oxygen to the tissues. In venous insufficiency, the skin may instead appear thickened and discolored due to stasis and buildup of hemosiderin from the breakdown of red blood cells.
Choice C reason : A dusky, red color of the feet when dangling can be a sign of dependent rubor, which is associated with arterial insufficiency. This occurs when there is a severe decrease in arterial blood flow to the lower extremities. Venous insufficiency may cause a different color change, typically a brownish discoloration due to hemosiderin deposition.
Choice D reason : Pitting edema is a hallmark sign of venous insufficiency. It occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, which is a result of increased pressure in the veins. This pressure causes fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues, leading to swelling that retains an indentation when pressed.
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