Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 74%
Simulated
The client admitted with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) asks the nurse why her legs hurt when she walks. The nurse bases a response on the knowledge that the main characteristic of PVD is:
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The hallmark of PVD is decreased blood flow due to arterial narrowing from atherosclerosis or other occlusive processes. This reduced flow causes ischemia, leading to claudication (pain during walking) that is relieved by rest. Increased or slow blood flow and thrombus formation are not the primary characteristics.