Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

When assessing a patient suspected of having peripheral arterial disease, what symptom is likely to be present?

1. Normal pulses and skin color

2. Cramping leg pain

3. Mild to severe edema

4. Ulcerations at the point of injury

The correct answer is: Cramping leg pain

In patients with suspected peripheral arterial disease (PAD), cramping leg pain, often described as intermittent claudication, is a hallmark symptom. This pain typically occurs during physical activity, such as walking, when the muscles demand more oxygen than the narrowed arteries can supply. When the patient rests, the pain usually subsides, which is indicative of the compromised blood flow caused by arterial blockages. The presence of cramping leg pain is significant because it reflects the underlying ischemia in the extremities due to insufficient blood supply. This symptom is a direct result of the pathophysiology of PAD, where atherosclerosis causes narrowing or occlusion of peripheral arteries, particularly in the legs. Other symptoms like normal pulses and skin color would not be associated with PAD, as diminished or absent pulses and changes in skin characteristics (e.g., pallor or coolness) are more typical. Similarly, while mild to severe edema may occur in some conditions, it is not a primary feature of PAD, which usually presents with more dryness and atrophy of the skin. Ulcerations can occur in chronic cases or severe ischemia, but they are not a reliable initial symptom when assessing for PAD. Thus, the presence of cramping leg pain is an important