Question

A nurse is performing an assessment on a client with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The nurse notes that the client's blood pressure is 142/86 mmHg. What additional manifestation, unique to PVD, will the nurse find upon physical examination of the nursing assessment of this client?

1) Delayed capillary refill in the lower extremities
2) Decreased sensation of the upper extremities
3) Dilated blood vessels in the eye
4) Wheezing upon auscultation of the lungs

Answer 1

In a physical examination for peripheral vascular disease, a nurse would most likely observe delayed capillary refill in the lower extremities. Delayed capillary refill is unique to PVD and indicates reduced blood flow in the affected areas.

Step-by-step explanation:

Upon physical examination, a nurse would expect to find delayed capillary refill in the lower extremities as an additional manifestation unique to peripheral vascular disease (PVD). This happens because PVD involves the narrowing of the arteries and a decrease in blood flow, which directly affects capillary refill time. Other signs a nurse might observe include skin ulcers, bluish skin, cold skin, or poor nail and hair growth in the affected leg(s) due to the compromised circulation associated with PVD.