RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone Related

Review RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone related questions and content

A client with peripheral artery disease reports pain while walking. What intervention should the nurse recommend?

  • A. Encourage the client to increase physical activity.
  • B. Instruct the client to take rest breaks during walking.
  • C. Apply warm compresses to the legs to improve circulation.
  • D. Massage the affected leg to relieve the pain.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Clients with peripheral artery disease often experience claudication (leg pain during walking) due to decreased blood flow. Encouraging rest breaks during walking helps to manage pain and improve circulation. Rest breaks allow the muscles to recover from ischemia caused by inadequate blood supply. Increasing physical activity without breaks may worsen the symptoms. Applying warm compresses can potentially lead to burns or skin damage in individuals with compromised circulation. Massaging the affected leg is contraindicated in peripheral artery disease as it can further compromise blood flow.