A nursing student is reviewing medications used to treat a patient with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Which of the following medications should the nurse identify as commonly prescribed for this condition? (Select all that apply)

Cilostazol (Pletal)

Ramipril (Altace)

Metoprolol (Lopressor)

Aspirin

Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,D,E

Choice A reason: Cilostazol inhibits phosphodiesterase III, increasing cyclic AMP, which dilates arteries and reduces platelet aggregation. This improves blood flow and reduces intermittent claudication in PAD, directly targeting vascular symptoms by enhancing circulation and preventing thrombosis, making it a primary treatment option.

Choice B reason: Ramipril, an ACE inhibitor, lowers blood pressure and protects vascular endothelium, benefiting PAD indirectly. It reduces cardiovascular strain but doesn’t directly improve limb perfusion or claudication, so it’s not a primary PAD medication despite its role in managing comorbidities like hypertension.

Choice C reason: Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, slows heart rate and reduces myocardial oxygen demand, useful in heart disease. In PAD, it may worsen claudication by reducing peripheral blood flow via vasoconstriction, making it less commonly prescribed specifically for PAD management.

Choice D reason: Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase, reducing thromboxane A2 and platelet aggregation. This antiplatelet action prevents clot formation in narrowed PAD arteries, improving outcomes by reducing thrombotic events, making it a standard, evidence-based therapy for symptom relief and risk reduction.

Choice E reason: Clopidogrel blocks ADP receptors on platelets, preventing aggregation and thrombus formation. In PAD, it reduces ischemic events and improves patency, often used alone or with aspirin, making it a key medication for managing vascular complications and symptoms.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Shortness of breath on stairs suggests cardiopulmonary issues, not intermittent claudication. Claudication is leg pain from arterial insufficiency during activity, not dyspnea, which reflects lung or heart strain.

Choice B reason: Finger pain in cold weather points to Raynaud’s or vasospasm, not claudication. Intermittent claudication affects lower limbs from arterial occlusion, not upper extremities or temperature-related vasomotor changes.

Choice C reason: Leg cramping after walking a block is classic intermittent claudication, from reduced blood flow in peripheral artery disease. Pain with activity, relieved by rest, matches its ischemic pathophysiology perfectly.

Choice D reason: Foot swelling from standing suggests venous stasis or edema, not claudication. Claudication involves arterial insufficiency causing pain with exertion, not fluid accumulation from prolonged static posture.

A. Blood glucose level of 122 mg/dL (Normal 70-110 mg/dL) B. Serum hemoglobin of 14.7 g/dL (Normal 12-18 g/dL) C. Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L (Normal 3.5-5.0 mEq/L) D. Serum creatinine of 2.8 mg/dL (normal 0.5-1.2 mg/dL)

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Glucose of 122 mg/dL is mildly elevated, suggesting prediabetes, but not urgent in hypertension. It’s a chronic risk factor, less critical than renal function for immediate provider attention.

Choice B reason: Hemoglobin of 14.7 g/dL is normal (12-18 g/dL), requiring no action in hypertension. It reflects oxygen capacity, not directly tied to blood pressure or acute complications needing reporting.

Choice C reason: Potassium of 4.5 mEq/L is normal (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), not concerning in hypertension. It’s relevant with medications, but this value alone doesn’t warrant immediate communication to the provider.

Choice D reason: Creatinine of 2.8 mg/dL (normal 0.5-1.2 mg/dL) indicates renal impairment, critical in hypertension. It suggests kidney damage from pressure, needing urgent reporting to adjust treatment and prevent progression.

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A nursing student is reviewing medications used to treat a patient with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Which of the following medications should the nurse identify as commonly prescribed for this condition? (Select all that apply)

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