Question

A nurse is assessing a client who has peripheral arterial disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A.Painless ulcerations on the ankles
B.Hair loss on the lower legs
C.No extremity pain when resting
D.Rubor with elevation of the extremity

Answer 1

In clients with peripheral arterial disease, a nurse may observe hair loss on the lower legs. PAD symptoms are due to arterial narrowing caused by atherosclerosis, and diagnosis often involves noting lower blood pressure in the ankle compared to the arm.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse assessing a client with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) should expect to find hair loss on the lower legs, among other symptoms. Peripheral arterial disease is the narrowing of the arteries other than those that supply the heart or brain, due primarily to atherosclerosis. This often causes pain when walking, known as intermittent claudication, which usually resolves with rest. However, other symptoms can include skin ulcers, bluish skin, cold skin, or poor nail and hair growth in the affected area. Blood pressure readings in PAD are typically lower at the ankle compared to the upper arm, aiding in the diagnosis of this condition.

Plaque buildup in arteries, leading to PAD, is comprised of components such as fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin. It's vital to diagnose and manage PAD promptly to prevent serious complications such as heart attacks or strokes. Risk factors disrupting arterial health include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.