Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

When assessing a patient with leg pain and tense calf muscles, why is it important to know when the symptoms began?

1. Irreversible anoxic injury to muscles and nerves can occur in as few as four hours.

2. Compartment syndrome develops days after arterial occlusion.

3. Arterial thrombosis is sudden and emergent, and an embolism develops gradually.

4. Metabolic alkalosis from muscle swelling is cardiotoxic.

The correct answer is: Irreversible anoxic injury to muscles and nerves can occur in as few as four hours.

Understanding when the symptoms began is crucial because irreversible anoxic injury to muscles and nerves can occur in as little as four hours. In cases where there is muscle swelling and tension, such as in compartment syndrome, timely assessment and intervention are essential to prevent permanent damage. If blood flow is reduced or absent due to conditions like arterial occlusion, the affected tissues may not receive adequate oxygen, leading to necrosis if the ischemia continues beyond this critical time frame. Therefore, knowing the onset of symptoms helps healthcare providers gauge the urgency of the situation and decide on prompt treatment options to mitigate the risk of long-term complications.