Hypertension and Vascular Disease · NCLEX Exam

When caring for a patient with peripheral arterial disease, which symptom would alert the nurse to critical limb ischemia?

  1. Intermittent claudication relieved by rest
  2. Rest pain with non-healing ulcers or gangrene
  3. Mild dependent leg swelling after standing
  4. Muscle cramps occurring only after vigorous exercise
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Rest pain with non-healing ulcers or gangrene

Critical limb ischemia features rest pain, non-healing ulcers or gangrene from severe arterial perfusion deficit—an urgent vascular problem.

Difficulty: Medium Question 4 of 25

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