Final answer:
The safest and most comfortable position for a person with peripheral arterial disease is none of the given options, as positions like Sims', Trendelenburg, supine, or lateral positions may not improve blood flow. The ankle blood pressure in PAD is typically lower than the arm's. Plaque in arteries is composed of cholesterol, calcium, and fibrous tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), it's important to encourage positions that enhance arterial blood flow to the lower extremities, rather than inhibit it. The correct position to ensure safety and comfort for a patient with peripheral arterial disease out of the options provided is: D) None of the above. The Sims' position, Trendelenburg position, supine position, and left lateral position are not typically recommended for PAD patients, as these positions may not aid in arterial blood flow and could potentially cause discomfort. Instead, patients are usually advised to sit or lie with their legs in a neutral or dependent position to promote blood flow.
For patients with peripheral artery disease, the blood pressure at the ankle is typically D) lower than the blood pressure at the upper arm. This is due to the restricted arterial blood flow caused by the condition.
The plaque that can build up in arteries typically consist of three components: cholesterol, calcium, and fibrous tissue. Accumulation of these components can lead to the narrowing of the arteries, which is characteristic of peripheral artery disease.