A student nurse is reviewing for an upcoming final examination and recognizes in the ECG readings that the T wave represents which of the following?

Choice A rationale

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) involves a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and redness, but not typically cold legs or hair loss, making it unlikely in this scenario.

Choice B rationale

Venous insufficiency occurs when veins struggle to send blood back to the heart, leading to varicose veins, swelling, and skin changes. While it can cause leg discomfort, it does not typically result in cold legs or hair loss.

Choice C rationale

Varicosities are enlarged, twisted veins caused by increased pressure. They can cause pain and swelling but not cold legs or hair loss, making them an unlikely cause of the described symptoms.

Choice D rationale

Arterial insufficiency, caused by poor blood flow due to narrowed arteries, results in symptoms such as cold legs, hair loss, pain, and weakened pulses. The description of cold legs and hair loss fits arterial insufficiency, making it the most likely diagnosis.

Choice A rationale

The optic nerve (CN II) is responsible for vision. It transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. Dysfunction in this nerve typically results in visual disturbances such as loss of vision, visual field defects, or difficulty in distinguishing colors. It does not control the movement or strength of the tongue.

Choice B rationale

The abducens nerve (CN VI) innervates the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, which is responsible for abducting the eye (moving it outward). Dysfunction in this nerve can lead to strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), double vision, or inability to move the eye outward. It does not affect tongue movement or strength.

Choice C rationale

The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) innervates the muscles of the tongue, controlling its movement and strength. Dysfunction in this nerve can result in difficulty protruding the tongue, poor strength against resistance, and impaired speech or swallowing. Therefore, the symptoms described in the question indicate a dysfunction of the hypoglossal nerve.

Choice D rationale

The vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) is responsible for hearing and balance. It transmits sound and equilibrium information from the inner ear to the brain. Dysfunction in this nerve can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or balance problems. It does not control tongue movement or strength.