Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

What assessment question should a cardiac-vascular nurse ask to determine if leg pain is relieved with rest in a patient with intermittent claudication?

1. Does the shortness of breath accompany the leg pain?

2. Is the leg pain relieved by rest?

3. Does this same type of pain occur without activity?

4. Is the leg pain relieved with elevation?

The correct answer is: Is the leg pain relieved by rest?

The correct assessment question to determine if leg pain is relieved with rest in a patient with intermittent claudication is focused directly on the relationship between rest and the relief of pain. Asking if the leg pain is relieved by rest is pivotal because intermittent claudication is characterized by pain induced by exercise or activity, which typically subsides during periods of rest. This symptomatology is due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles during increased activity levels, and rest allows time for the blood flow to catch up and relieve the pain. Inquiring about whether the pain is relieved by rest directly addresses the hallmark of intermittent claudication, ensuring that the assessment clarifies the nature of the pain relative to activity levels. This question allows the nurse to gauge the severity of the condition and develop an appropriate management plan based on the patient’s response. Other assessment questions may provide additional context regarding the patient’s overall condition or the presence of other symptoms but do not directly clarify the specific relationship between rest and pain relief that is crucial for diagnosing and managing intermittent claudication.