Question

A nurse is assessing a patient's peripheral circulation. Which finding indicates venous insufficiency of this patient's legs?

a. Paresthesias and weak, thin peripheral pulses
b. Leg pain that can be relieved by walking
c. Edema that is worse at the end of the day
d. Leg pain that increases when the legs are lowered

Answer 1

Edema that is worse at the end of the day indicates venous insufficiency in a patient's legs, due to ineffective valves leading to blood pooling and increased pressure in the veins, which can result in edema and varicose veins.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the options provided for symptoms of venous insufficiency of the legs, the finding that indicates this condition is c) edema that is worse at the end of the day. Venous insufficiency occurs when the valves in the veins are not working effectively, leading to blood pooling and increased venous pressure. This increased pressure promotes the flow of fluids out of the capillaries and into the interstitial fluid, resulting in edema, especially in the lower limbs. Additionally, disorders such as varicose veins may be present, which are associated with an increased risk of developing clots.

While treatments like support hose and elevating the legs can help alleviate symptoms of varicose veins and edema, interventional procedures or surgery may be necessary for severe cases. These treatments aim to reduce the size and severity of varicose veins and alleviate the complications associated with venous insufficiency.