A nurse is assessing a patient's peripheral circulation. Which finding indicates venous insufficiency of this patient's legs?
A) Paresthesias and weak, thin peripheral pulses
B) Leg pain that can be relieved by walking
C) Edema that is worse at the end of the day
D) Leg pain that increases when the legs are lowered

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dependent edema is an indication of venous insufficiency. Paresthesias and weak, thin peripheral pulses are characteristics of arterial insufficiencies rather than venous. Pain caused by arterial insufficiency gets worse by walking, because walking requires additional arterial blood. Arterial pain is relieved by lowering the leg and aggravated by elevating the legs.

A Nurse Is Assessing a Patient's Peripheral Circulation