Question

Sudden onset of limb pain, pallor, paresthesia, pulseless, and poikilothermia (cool extremity) and paralysis (6Ps) should suspect:

a) Deep vein thrombosis
b) Compartment syndrome
c) Acute arterial occlusion
d) Raynaud's disease

Answer 1

Sudden onset of the 6 Ps - limb pain, pallor, paresthesia, pulselessness, poikilothermia, and paralysis - suggests Acute arterial occlusion, a condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sudden onset of symptoms such as limb pain, pallor, paresthesia, pulselessness, poikilothermia (cool extremity), and paralysis, collectively known as the 6 Ps, should raise suspicion for Acute arterial occlusion. This condition is typically caused by a sudden blockage in the arterial blood flow due to a clot or embolus, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) would not typically present with pulselessness or poikilothermia. Compartment syndrome involves increased pressure in a closed muscle compartment, potentially causing damage to muscles and nerves but does not typically result in pulselessness. Raynaud's disease involves episodic vasospasm in the extremities, also does not lead to pulselessness or paralysis. Peripheral artery disease (PAD), while similar, usually causes intermittent claudication and does not present acutely with the full range of 6 Ps.