Sixty-five-year-old Harold Wisenheimer is experiencing pain in his left calf when he exercises, which disappears after resting for a few minutes. The nurse recognizes this description is most consistent with:
ischemia caused by complete blockage of an artery supplying the left leg.
ischemia caused by partial blockage of an artery supplying the left leg.
claudication due to venous abnormalities in the left leg.
venous obstruction of the left leg.
The Correct Answer is B
a. Incorrect
Ischemia caused by a complete blockage of an artery supplying the left leg would typically result in more severe and constant pain, even at rest. The fact that the pain disappears after resting for a few minutes suggests that the blood flow is temporarily restored. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
b. Correct
The description of pain in the left calf when exercising, which disappears after resting for a few minutes, is most consistent with claudication caused by partial blockage of an artery supplying the left leg. During exercise, the demand for oxygen-rich blood increases, but the narrowed or partially blocked artery is unable to supply enough blood, leading to ischemia and resulting pain. Resting allows the oxygen supply to catch up, relieving the pain. This is a characteristic feature of claudication, which is commonly associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
c. Incorrect
Claudication is not caused by venous abnormalities but rather by arterial insufficiency. Venous abnormalities in the left leg may result in symptoms such as swelling, discoloration, or a heavy, achy sensation, but not the pain associated with exercise and subsequent relief after rest. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
d. Incorrect
Venous obstruction of the left leg would typically present with different symptoms, such as swelling, discoloration, or pain that worsens with prolonged standing or sitting. The pattern of pain during exercise and relief after rest is not consistent with venous obstruction. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
a. Incorrect
Ischemia caused by a complete blockage of an artery supplying the left leg would typically result in constant pain, even at rest. The fact that the pain disappears after resting for a few minutes suggests that the blood flow is temporarily restored.
Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
b. Correct
The description of pain in the left calf when exercising, which disappears after resting for a few minutes, is most consistent with claudication caused by partial blockage of an artery supplying the left leg. During exercise, the demand for oxygen-rich blood
increases, but the narrowed or partially blocked artery is unable to supply enough blood, leading to ischemia and resulting pain. Resting allows the oxygen supply to catch up, relieving the pain. This is a characteristic feature of claudication, which is commonly associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
c. Incorrect
Claudication is not due to venous abnormalities in the left leg but rather arterial insufficiency. Venous abnormalities may result in symptoms such as swelling,
discoloration, or a heavy, achy sensation, but not the pain associated with exercise and subsequent relief after rest. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
d. Incorrect
Venous obstruction of the left leg would typically present with different symptoms, such as swelling, discoloration, or pain that worsens with prolonged standing or
sitting. The pattern of pain during exercise and relief after rest is not consistent with venous obstruction. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
a. Incorrect
This choice suggests a left dorsalis pedis pulse of 2+/0-4+. However, since the left femoral pulse was documented as 0/0-4+, indicating no pulse, it is not expected for a pulse to be present in the left dorsalis pedis. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
b. Incorrect
This choice suggests a left dorsalis pedis pulse of 3+/0-4+. Again, since the left femoral pulse was documented as 0/0-4+, indicating no pulse, it is not expected for a pulse to be present in the left dorsalis pedis. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
c. Incorrect
This choice suggests a left dorsalis pedis pulse of 1+/0-4+. However, as mentioned earlier, the left femoral pulse was documented as 0/0-4+, indicating no pulse. Therefore, it is not expected for a pulse to be present in the left dorsalis pedis. This choice is incorrect.
d. Correct
This choice suggests a left dorsalis pedis pulse of 0/0-4+. Since the left femoral pulse was documented as 0/0-4+, indicating no pulse, it is expected that the left dorsalis pedis pulse will also be absent or diminished. Therefore, this choice is correct.
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