Chronic Illness NCLEX Questions Related

Review Chronic Illness NCLEX Questions related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with peripheral artery disease. Which of the following is a common assessment finding?

  • A. 4+ pedal pulses
  • B. 3+ pedal pulses
  • C. Bounding pulses in all 4 extremities
  • D. 1+ pedal pulses
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) clogs arteries, slashing flow 1+ pedal pulses (weak, thready) are typical, reflecting ischemia below blockages. 4+ or 3+ pulses (strong) contradict PAD's hypoperfusion; bounding pulses suggest hyperdynamic states, not occlusion. Nurses expect weak pulses, checking for pain or pallor, key to tracking PAD's limb-threatening march, guiding interventions like revascularization.