The nurse is providing care for a client recently diagnosed with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD). What assessment finding is most consistent with this diagnosis?
Visible clubbing of the fingers and toes
Unequal peripheral pulses between extremities
Reddened extremities with muscle atrophy
Loss of hair on the distal extremities
The Correct Answer is D
A. Visible clubbing of the fingers and toes
Clubbing is a condition characterized by changes in the shape and appearance of the fingers and toes. It involves enlargement of the fingertips and the nails becoming curved and rounded. Clubbing is not typically associated with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD). It is more commonly seen in conditions such as chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
B. Unequal peripheral pulses between extremities
Unequal peripheral pulses can be indicative of vascular abnormalities. However, in PAD, the characteristic finding is diminished or absent pulses rather than unequal pulses between extremities. Other conditions, such as arterial embolism or thrombosis, may present with unequal pulses.
C. Reddened extremities with muscle atrophy
Reddened extremities and muscle atrophy are not typical findings in PAD. These symptoms are more characteristic of conditions associated with chronic inflammation or compromised venous circulation, such as chronic venous insufficiency or venous stasis.
D. Loss of hair on the distal extremities
Loss of hair on the distal extremities, particularly on the lower legs and feet, is a common finding in PAD. It results from reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the hair follicles in the affected areas.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Obtain a sputum sample:
This option is more relevant when the client is experiencing cough with sputum production, which might suggest respiratory issues. However, in the context of coughing after eating or drinking, the primary concern is likely related to the swallowing process rather than respiratory conditions.
B. Inspect the client’s tongue and mouth:
While inspecting the tongue and mouth is a good practice for assessing oral health, it may not directly address the issue of coughing after eating or drinking, which is more indicative of potential swallowing difficulties.
C. Perform a swallowing assessment:
This is the most appropriate option for the given scenario. A swallowing assessment helps identify any abnormalities or difficulties in the swallowing process, which could contribute to the client's coughing after eating or drinking.
D. Assess the client’s nutritional status:
While assessing nutritional status is important for overall health, it may not directly address the immediate concern of coughing after eating or drinking. Nutritional status assessment is a broader aspect of care.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The client with a history of a myocardial infarction who has a p wave before every QRS complex.
This may indicate a heart block, which requires attention. However, it's not an immediate life-threatening situation.
B. The client diagnosed with heart failure who has bilateral 2+ pitting pedal edema.
Bilateral pitting pedal edema is a sign of fluid overload, which is concerning and requires attention.
C. The client with sinus bradycardia (HR 56/min) that is reporting fatigue.
While bradycardia and fatigue are concerns, they might not be as urgent as the client with fluid overload.
D. The client diagnosed with coronary artery disease who is now reporting new onset of severe indigestion.
New onset of severe indigestion in a client with coronary artery disease raises concern for a potential cardiac event, and this should be addressed promptly.
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