What is the primary purpose of performing an Ankle Brachial Index test?

Choice A reason: Neutropenia is not a common side effect of antilipemic therapy, like statins, which primarily affect lipid metabolism and liver function. Other drugs, like chemotherapy, cause neutropenia. This is incorrect, as liver dysfunction is the primary concern to monitor in antilipemic therapy.

Choice B reason: Antilipemic therapy, especially statins, can cause liver dysfunction due to hepatotoxicity, elevating liver enzymes. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is essential to detect damage early, making this the correct problem for the nurse to monitor closely in patients on these medications.

Choice C reason: Vitamin C deficiency is unrelated to antilipemic therapy, which affects lipid and liver metabolism. Dietary deficiencies cause scurvy, not statins. This is incorrect, as liver dysfunction, not vitamin deficiency, is the primary concern requiring monitoring during antilipemic treatment.

Choice D reason: Pulmonary problems are not a primary side effect of antilipemic therapy, which mainly risks liver and muscle toxicity. Respiratory issues may relate to other conditions, not statins, making this incorrect, as liver dysfunction is the key problem to monitor in these patients.

Choice A reason: Shiny skin is associated with peripheral arterial disease due to reduced blood flow causing trophic changes. Peripheral venous disease causes venous stasis, leading to swollen veins and edema, not shiny skin. This finding is incorrect, as it reflects arterial insufficiency rather than venous pathology in the lower extremities.

Choice B reason: Swollen and enlarged veins are hallmark manifestations of peripheral venous disease, resulting from venous stasis and incompetent valves, causing blood pooling and varicosities. This increases venous pressure, leading to visible vein enlargement, making this the primary finding the nurse should recognize in clients with this condition.

Choice C reason: Diminished hair growth is characteristic of peripheral arterial disease, where reduced arterial flow impairs follicle nourishment. Peripheral venous disease causes edema and varicosities, not hair loss. This finding is incorrect, as it reflects arterial, not venous, pathology, making it irrelevant to the client’s condition.

Choice D reason: Loss of pigmentation over the shin suggests arterial insufficiency or chronic venous stasis dermatitis with hyperpigmentation, not depigmentation. Peripheral venous disease typically causes brownish discoloration from hemosiderin. This finding is incorrect, as swollen veins are more specific to venous disease than pigmentation changes.