When developing a teaching plan for a client with peripheral artery disease, the nurse should explain that intermittent claudication occurs as the result of which underlying pathophysiology?

Reduced blood flow occurs when legs are elevated.

Reddened color occurs when the feet are dependent.

Arterial occlusion causes ischemic pain during activity.

Reduction in blood supply leads to muscle atrophy.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Intermittent claudication is a common symptom experienced by individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD). It occurs due to the underlying pathophysiology of arterial occlusion and ischemia during physical activity. Here's why option C is the correct choice:

A) Reduced blood flow occurs when legs are elevated:

This statement is not accurate regarding the pathophysiology of intermittent claudication in PAD. When legs are elevated, gravity assists venous return, which may actually improve blood flow temporarily. However, intermittent claudication occurs during activity, not when the legs are elevated.

B) Reddened color occurs when the feet are dependent:

This statement is unrelated to the pathophysiology of intermittent claudication. Redness when the feet are dependent may suggest venous insufficiency rather than arterial occlusion characteristic of PAD.

C) Arterial occlusion causes ischemic pain during activity:

Correct. Intermittent claudication is caused by inadequate blood flow to the muscles during physical activity due to arterial occlusion in PAD. As the demand for oxygen increases during exercise, the narrowed arteries cannot supply sufficient blood flow, leading to ischemic pain in the affected muscles. This pain typically resolves with rest and recurs upon resuming activity.

D) Reduction in blood supply leads to muscle atrophy:

Muscle atrophy may occur in severe cases of PAD with chronic ischemia, but it is not the primary cause of intermittent claudication. Intermittent claudication is primarily attributed to inadequate blood flow during activity, which results in ischemic pain rather than muscle atrophy.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Flank pain and profound hypotension:

Correct. Flank pain, often described as a deep, constant, gnawing, or throbbing sensation in the abdomen or back, can be a sign of impending rupture or dissection of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Profound hypotension may occur if the AAA ruptures, leading to massive internal bleeding and shock. Prompt recognition of these signs is crucial for early intervention and surgical repair to prevent catastrophic consequences.

B) Acute shortness of breath and chest pain:

Acute shortness of breath and chest pain are more indicative of cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions such as myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, or acute coronary syndrome rather than an abdominal aortic aneurysm. While aortic dissection can present with chest pain, it is typically described as severe, tearing, or ripping pain that radiates to the back, not as acute shortness of breath.

C) Absent pedal pulses and darkened toes:

Absent pedal pulses and darkened toes may indicate peripheral vascular disease or critical limb ischemia but are not specific signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. While AAA can lead to peripheral ischemia in advanced cases, it is not typically associated with acute changes in pedal pulses or toe discoloration.

D) Tea-colored urine and decreased output:

Tea-colored urine and decreased urine output may indicate acute kidney injury or rhabdomyolysis but are not specific signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. While a ruptured AAA can lead to renal ischemia and acute kidney injury due to hypoperfusion, these symptoms are not the primary manifestations of AAA

A. Increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). B. Increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). C. Decreased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). D. Decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4).

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Hypothyroidism is characterized by deficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, leading to a decrease in circulating levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). As a compensatory mechanism, the pituitary gland releases increased amounts of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in an attempt to stimulate thyroid hormone production.

A) Increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):

This pattern of laboratory findings is not consistent with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is characterized by decreased levels of T3 and T4 due to impaired thyroid function, leading to increased TSH levels as a compensatory response. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

B) Increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):

While TSH levels are typically increased in hypothyroidism, T3 levels are usually decreased. Therefore, the combination of increased T3 and TSH is not indicative of hypothyroidism. This option is incorrect.

C) Decreased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):

Correct. In hypothyroidism, there is a decrease in both T3 and T4 levels due to impaired thyroid function. As a compensatory mechanism, the pituitary gland releases increased amounts of TSH to stimulate the thyroid gland. Therefore, this pattern of laboratory findings is consistent with hypothyroidism.

D) Decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4):

Decreased levels of TSH, T3, and T4 are not indicative of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is characterized by elevated TSH levels and decreased T3 and T4 levels. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

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When developing a teaching plan for a client with peripheral artery disease, the nurse should explain that intermittent claudication occurs as the result of which underlying pathophysiology?

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