Question

A patient states that his/her legs have pain with walking that decreases with rest. The nurse observes absence of hair on the patient's lower leg and the patient has a thready posterior tibial pulse. How would the nurse position the patient's legs?

A) Slightly bent with a pillow under the knees
B) Dependent position
C) Elevated
D) Crossed at the knee

Answer 1

A patient with signs of peripheral artery disease (PAD) would benefit from positioning the legs in a dependent position to enhance blood flow to the extremities, making it the recommended positioning by a nurse in this scenario.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's symptoms and physical exam findings — pain with walking that lessens with rest, absence of hair on the patient's lower leg, and a thready posterior tibial pulse — are indicative of peripheral artery disease (PAD). In PAD, there is narrowing of peripheral arteries, particularly in the legs, which can lead to intermittent claudication, or pain when walking that improves with rest due to compromised blood flow.

The best way to position the patient's legs to promote circulation would be in a dependent position, meaning the legs should be placed lower than the heart. This position helps to enhance blood flow to the extremities and can reduce pain.

Therefore, option B) Dependent position is the correct choice. Options A), C), and D) would not be recommended, as they could inhibit blood flow or increase discomfort.