A client with a history of disabling claudication now is in the emergency department with a lower limb that is turning dark purple to black associated with faint Doppler pedal pulses. The client will more than likely undergo:

Question

A) Surgery to remove the saphenous vein
B) Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent placement
C) Injection of a potent anticoagulant into lower leg veins
D) Whirlpool therapy with tight wrapping of lower legs immediately following

Answer 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
Treatment includes measures directed at protection of the affected tissues and preservation of functional capacity. Percutaneous or surgical intervention is typically reserved for the client with disabling claudication or limb-threatening ischemia. Surgery (i.e., femoropopliteal bypass grafting using a section of the saphenous vein) may be indicated in severe cases. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent placement, in which a balloon catheter is inserted into the area of stenosis and the balloon inflated to increase vessel diameter, is another form of treatment.