The nurse is assessing the peripheral vascular system of a client.
On inspection, the client's legs are cold and the client reports she no longer has hair growing on the legs.
What does the nurse suspect the client is experiencing?

Choice A rationale

Allergic conjunctivitis is usually characterized by redness, itching, and watery discharge. It is often associated with allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or pet dander. The discharge in allergic conjunctivitis is typically clear and watery, not white and thick.

Choice B rationale

Viral conjunctivitis is often caused by adenovirus and is characterized by redness, watery discharge, and a gritty sensation in the eye. It is highly contagious and can spread through contact with infected individuals. The discharge in viral conjunctivitis is usually watery, not thick and white.

Choice C rationale

Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by redness, itching, and white, thick discharge. It is often caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae. The thick discharge is a hallmark of bacterial infection, distinguishing it from allergic or viral conjunctivitis.

Choice D rationale

Cataracts involve the clouding of the eye's natural lens, leading to blurred vision and difficulty seeing at night. They do not cause redness, itching, or discharge from the eye. Cataracts affect the lens inside the eye, not the conjunctival sac.

Choice A rationale

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) involves a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and redness, but not typically cold legs or hair loss, making it unlikely in this scenario.

Choice B rationale

Venous insufficiency occurs when veins struggle to send blood back to the heart, leading to varicose veins, swelling, and skin changes. While it can cause leg discomfort, it does not typically result in cold legs or hair loss.

Choice C rationale

Varicosities are enlarged, twisted veins caused by increased pressure. They can cause pain and swelling but not cold legs or hair loss, making them an unlikely cause of the described symptoms.

Choice D rationale

Arterial insufficiency, caused by poor blood flow due to narrowed arteries, results in symptoms such as cold legs, hair loss, pain, and weakened pulses. The description of cold legs and hair loss fits arterial insufficiency, making it the most likely diagnosis.