When assessing Mrs. Bradshaw, the nurse documents the left femoral pulse as 0/0-4+. Which of the following findings would the nurse expect at the left dorsalis pedialis pulse?

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.

a. Incorrect

Sore muscles typically result from overexertion or physical activity and are not typically associated with pain that specifically occurs during climbing stairs and is relieved by resting. The described pattern of pain and relief does not align with sore muscles. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

b. Correct

The description of pain in the left calf during stair climbing, which is relieved by sitting for a few minutes, is most consistent with claudication. Claudication refers to pain or cramping in the muscles, often in the calf, that occurs with exercise or activity and is relieved by rest. It is commonly caused by decreased blood flow due to arterial narrowing or blockage, typically seen in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The symptoms described by Paul Simon align with the classic features of claudication. Therefore, this choice is correct.

c. Incorrect

Rationale: Venous insufficiency typically presents with symptoms such as swelling, discoloration, or a heavy, achy sensation in the legs. It is not typically associated with pain during specific activities like climbing stairs. The described symptoms are not indicative of venous insufficiency. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

d. Incorrect

Rationale: Muscle cramps are characterized by sudden and involuntary contractions of a muscle. While muscle cramps can occur during physical activity, they are not typically relieved by sitting and resting for a few minutes. The described pattern of pain and relief is not consistent with muscle cramps. Therefore, this choice is
incorrect.