Question

a nurse is assessing a client who has chronic peripheral arterial disease (pad). which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
a edema around the ankles and feet
b ulceration around the medial malleoli
c scaling eczema of the lower legs with stasis dermatitis
d pallor on elevation of the limbs, and rubor when the limbs are dependent

Explanation:

• Option A: Edema around ankles and feet is more typical of venous disorders rather than peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
• Option B: Ulceration around the medial malleoli is a sign of venous insufficiency ulcers, not PAD.
• Option C: Scaling eczema of the lower legs with stasis dermatitis is associated with venous problems, not arterial.
• Option D: In chronic PAD, due to poor arterial blood flow, when the limbs are elevated (reducing hydrostatic pressure further), pallor occurs (lack of blood). When the limbs are dependent (gravity helps in some blood flow), rubor (dusky red color due to sluggish blood flow and deoxygenated blood accumulation in the vessels) is seen. This is a classic finding in PAD.

Answer:

D. Pallor on elevation of the limbs, and rubor when the limbs are dependent