A patient reports having leg pain while walking that is relieved with rest. Based on these data, the nurse expects which finding on inspection and palpation of this patient?
A) 1+ edema of the feet and ankles bilaterally
B) The circumference of the right leg is larger than the left leg
C) Patchy petechiae and purpura of the lower extremities
D) Cool feet with capillary refill of toes greater than 3 seconds

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pain while walking that is relieved by rest is called intermittent claudication and is an indication of arterial insufficiency. Cool feet and prolonged capillary refill also occur due to arterial insufficiency. Edema of 1+ of the feet and ankles bilaterally is an indication of a venous problem rather than an arterial problem. When one leg is larger in circumference than the other, it could be due to lymphedema or a deep vein thrombosis. Petechiae and purpura of the lower extremities indicate a bleeding problem, such as low platelets, rather than an arterial problem.

A Patient Reports Having Leg Pain While Walking That Is