A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client with suspected peripheral vascular disease. Which condition is a significant risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease?

A) This choice is incorrect because while nicotine replacement therapy can be helpful for individuals trying to quit smoking, it is not the priority intervention. The primary goal is to promote smoking cessation itself, as it provides the most significant health benefits.

B) This choice is incorrect because smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to smoking and is not recommended for promoting vascular health. Smokeless tobacco still contains harmful substances that can damage blood vessels and increase cardiovascular risks.

C) This choice is correct. Providing education on the benefits of smoking cessation is a priority intervention for a client with peripheral vascular disease (PAD) who has a history of smoking. Smoking is a significant risk factor for PAD and other cardiovascular diseases. Quitting smoking can lead to immediate and long-term health improvements, including improved blood flow and reduced risk of complications.

D) This choice is incorrect because advising the client to smoke fewer cigarettes per day is not sufficient to address the adverse effects of smoking on vascular health . Smoking cessation is the most effective approach to improve vascular health and reduce the risk of PAD-related complications.

Questions

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.