Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

In which situation should a cardiac-vascular nurse elevate a patient's legs?

1. To relieve symptoms of heart failure

2. When the patient complains of chest pain

3. For a patient with varicose veins

4. To manage symptoms of peripheral arterial disease

The correct answer is: To manage symptoms of peripheral arterial disease

Elevating a patient's legs can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing symptoms associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In PAD, there is insufficient blood flow to the lower extremities, which can lead to pain, cramping, and other discomforts, especially during physical activity. Elevating the legs can help reduce the gravitational load on the vascular system, thus potentially improving venous return and reducing symptoms of pain or discomfort. Additionally, it is important to recognize that while leg elevation can offer symptomatic relief in certain scenarios, in cases of heart failure, it may not be as effective and might require different interventions. Similarly, for varicose veins, while elevating the legs can help with venous return and may alleviate pressure in the veins, it does not directly address the underlying arterial issues seen in PAD, making it less optimal than for managing PAD specifically. In instances of chest pain, leg elevation is not typically indicated as it does not specifically address cardiac symptoms or stabilize the patient's condition.