Vascular Disorders with 200 Questions and Answers | Updated
2026 A+ | Instant Download PDF
Table of Contents
1. Peripheral Arterial Disorders
2. Venous Disorders and Thromboembolism
3. Aortic and Cerebrovascular Disorders
4. Vascular Assessment, Management, and Complications
1. Peripheral Arterial Disorders
1. A 68-year-old patient with diabetes reports calf pain after walking two blocks that resolves
within several minutes of rest; pedal pulses are diminished bilaterally. Which finding most
strongly supports peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
A. Bilateral ankle edema that worsens throughout the day
B. Reproducible exertional calf pain relieved by rest
C. Warm skin with bounding pedal pulses
D. Calf discomfort that improves when the legs are dependent
Answer: B
Rationale: Intermittent claudication caused by exercise-induced arterial insufficiency
characteristically resolves with rest.
2. A patient with suspected PAD has an ankle-brachial index (ABI) of 0.52. How should the
nurse interpret this result?
A. Normal arterial perfusion
B. Mild arterial obstruction
C. Moderate-to-severe arterial disease
D. Noncompressible arteries from medial calcification
Answer: C
Rationale: An ABI around 0.50–0.70 is consistent with clinically significant arterial
obstruction.
3. A patient with severe lower-extremity arterial insufficiency develops sudden severe leg pain,
pallor, paresthesia, and an absent pedal pulse. What is the priority action?
A. Apply compression stockings
B. Elevate the affected extremity
C. Encourage ambulation
D. Notify the vascular team immediately for suspected acute limb ischemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Acute ischemic signs indicate a limb-threatening vascular emergency requiring
urgent reperfusion assessment.
4. A patient with PAD asks why the affected foot feels cooler than the unaffected foot. Which
explanation is most appropriate?
A. Venous congestion increases heat loss
B. Reduced arterial blood flow decreases delivery of warm blood to the tissues
C. Peripheral nerves produce less heat during walking
, D. Increased lymphatic drainage cools the extremity
Answer: B
Rationale: Arterial obstruction reduces blood delivery and commonly produces cool distal
skin.
5. A patient with PAD has a prescribed exercise program. Which instruction is most
appropriate?
A. Avoid walking whenever leg discomfort occurs
B. Perform maximal-intensity exercise once weekly
C. Walk until moderate claudication occurs, rest, and repeat as tolerated
D. Keep the affected leg elevated during exercise
Answer: C
Rationale: Structured walking with intervals of exercise and rest can improve functional
walking capacity in PAD.
6. A patient with PAD asks why smoking cessation is emphasized even after symptoms
improve. Which response is best?
A. Smoking primarily causes venous thrombosis
B. Smoking only affects blood pressure temporarily
C. Smoking promotes vasoconstriction and accelerates atherosclerotic vascular disease
D. Smoking increases muscle mass and therefore worsens claudication
Answer: C
Rationale: Tobacco exposure contributes to endothelial injury, vasoconstriction, and
progression of atherosclerosis.
7. A patient with chronic arterial insufficiency has a foot ulcer on the distal toe. Which wound
characteristic would be most consistent with arterial disease?
A. Irregular superficial ulcer near the medial ankle
B. Large amount of serous drainage
C. Warm erythematous surrounding skin
D. Painful, sharply demarcated ulcer with a pale or necrotic base
Answer: D
Rationale: Arterial ulcers commonly occur distally and are painful with sharply defined
margins and poor perfusion.
8. A patient with severe PAD reports nighttime foot pain that improves when sitting with the
leg hanging down. What does this pattern indicate?
A. Venous hypertension
B. Advanced arterial insufficiency with ischemic rest pain
C. Musculoskeletal strain
D. Lymphatic obstruction
Answer: B
Rationale: Dependent positioning can temporarily improve arterial perfusion in severe
ischemic disease.
9. A patient with PAD has an ABI of 1.45 and diabetes. Which test would provide better
information about distal perfusion?
A. Chest radiograph
B. Serum sodium level
C. Toe-brachial index or another noninvasive perfusion study
, D. Pulmonary function testing
Answer: C
Rationale: Very high ABI values can reflect noncompressible calcified arteries, making toe
pressures more informative.
10. A patient with PAD is prescribed antiplatelet therapy. What is the primary therapeutic goal?
A. Increase venous return
B. Dissolve existing arterial plaques immediately
C. Reduce the risk of arterial thrombotic cardiovascular events
D. Increase red blood cell production
Answer: C
Rationale: Antiplatelet therapy reduces platelet-mediated thrombosis and cardiovascular
events associated with atherosclerotic disease.
11. A patient with PAD develops a new foot wound. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
A. Apply tight compression without assessment
B. Soak the foot in hot water daily
C. Assess perfusion and protect the wound while arranging appropriate vascular and
wound evaluation
D. Encourage barefoot walking to stimulate circulation
Answer: C
Rationale: Ischemic wounds require careful perfusion assessment and protection because
impaired blood flow delays healing.
12. A patient with PAD asks whether a heating pad should be placed on the cold foot. Which
response is safest?
A. Use the highest temperature for 30 minutes
B. Use heat only while sleeping
C. Avoid direct heat because impaired sensation and circulation increase burn risk
D. Apply heat under compression stockings
Answer: C
Rationale: Ischemic extremities are vulnerable to thermal injury because perfusion and
protective sensation may be impaired.
13. A patient develops acute arterial occlusion after a cardiac procedure. Which assessment
finding would be most concerning?
A. Mild bilateral ankle swelling
B. Sudden loss of pulse distal to the obstruction
C. Gradual skin thickening
D. Brown pigmentation around the ankle
Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden pulse loss is a major indicator of acute arterial obstruction.
14. A patient with PAD is prescribed a statin despite having a normal LDL level. What is the best
rationale?
A. Statins directly dissolve thrombi
B. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk reduction remains important in PAD
C. Statins increase peripheral edema
D. Statins replace antiplatelet therapy in all patients
Answer: B
, Rationale: PAD is a manifestation of systemic atherosclerotic disease for which
cardiovascular risk reduction is central.
15. A patient with intermittent claudication asks why symptoms occur at a predictable walking
distance. What is the best explanation?
A. Venous valves fail at a fixed walking distance
B. Exercise increases oxygen demand beyond the delivery capacity of narrowed arteries
C. Muscles release toxins after exactly two blocks
D. Arterial pressure always falls after walking two blocks
Answer: B
Rationale: Fixed arterial obstruction limits oxygen delivery when exercise increases muscle
metabolic demand.
16. A patient with PAD has a new dependent-red appearance of the foot and severe pain. Which
interpretation is most appropriate?
A. Normal reperfusion
B. Venous stasis only
C. Possible advanced ischemia requiring urgent evaluation
D. Improved arterial circulation
Answer: C
Rationale: Dependent rubor accompanied by ischemic pain can indicate severe arterial
insufficiency.
17. A patient with PAD asks why leg elevation increases discomfort. Which mechanism explains
this finding?
A. Elevation increases venous pressure
B. Elevation reduces the hydrostatic contribution to arterial perfusion in an already
ischemic limb
C. Elevation causes arterial dilation
D. Elevation increases tissue oxygen demand
Answer: B
Rationale: In severe arterial disease, elevation can further reduce distal arterial perfusion and
worsen ischemic pain.
18. A patient with suspected PAD has a weak posterior tibial pulse but a palpable dorsalis pedis
pulse. What should the nurse do?
A. Diagnose acute ischemia immediately
B. Ignore the finding because one pulse is present
C. Compare bilaterally and assess trends, skin findings, and other perfusion indicators
D. Apply compression immediately
Answer: C
Rationale: Peripheral pulses vary anatomically, so interpretation should incorporate bilateral
comparison and the overall vascular assessment.
19. A patient with PAD is preparing for discharge. Which foot-care instruction is most
important?
A. Trim corns aggressively at home
B. Walk barefoot indoors
C. Inspect the feet daily and promptly report wounds or color changes
D. Use very hot water to improve circulation
2026 A+ | Instant Download PDF
Table of Contents
1. Peripheral Arterial Disorders
2. Venous Disorders and Thromboembolism
3. Aortic and Cerebrovascular Disorders
4. Vascular Assessment, Management, and Complications
1. Peripheral Arterial Disorders
1. A 68-year-old patient with diabetes reports calf pain after walking two blocks that resolves
within several minutes of rest; pedal pulses are diminished bilaterally. Which finding most
strongly supports peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
A. Bilateral ankle edema that worsens throughout the day
B. Reproducible exertional calf pain relieved by rest
C. Warm skin with bounding pedal pulses
D. Calf discomfort that improves when the legs are dependent
Answer: B
Rationale: Intermittent claudication caused by exercise-induced arterial insufficiency
characteristically resolves with rest.
2. A patient with suspected PAD has an ankle-brachial index (ABI) of 0.52. How should the
nurse interpret this result?
A. Normal arterial perfusion
B. Mild arterial obstruction
C. Moderate-to-severe arterial disease
D. Noncompressible arteries from medial calcification
Answer: C
Rationale: An ABI around 0.50–0.70 is consistent with clinically significant arterial
obstruction.
3. A patient with severe lower-extremity arterial insufficiency develops sudden severe leg pain,
pallor, paresthesia, and an absent pedal pulse. What is the priority action?
A. Apply compression stockings
B. Elevate the affected extremity
C. Encourage ambulation
D. Notify the vascular team immediately for suspected acute limb ischemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Acute ischemic signs indicate a limb-threatening vascular emergency requiring
urgent reperfusion assessment.
4. A patient with PAD asks why the affected foot feels cooler than the unaffected foot. Which
explanation is most appropriate?
A. Venous congestion increases heat loss
B. Reduced arterial blood flow decreases delivery of warm blood to the tissues
C. Peripheral nerves produce less heat during walking
, D. Increased lymphatic drainage cools the extremity
Answer: B
Rationale: Arterial obstruction reduces blood delivery and commonly produces cool distal
skin.
5. A patient with PAD has a prescribed exercise program. Which instruction is most
appropriate?
A. Avoid walking whenever leg discomfort occurs
B. Perform maximal-intensity exercise once weekly
C. Walk until moderate claudication occurs, rest, and repeat as tolerated
D. Keep the affected leg elevated during exercise
Answer: C
Rationale: Structured walking with intervals of exercise and rest can improve functional
walking capacity in PAD.
6. A patient with PAD asks why smoking cessation is emphasized even after symptoms
improve. Which response is best?
A. Smoking primarily causes venous thrombosis
B. Smoking only affects blood pressure temporarily
C. Smoking promotes vasoconstriction and accelerates atherosclerotic vascular disease
D. Smoking increases muscle mass and therefore worsens claudication
Answer: C
Rationale: Tobacco exposure contributes to endothelial injury, vasoconstriction, and
progression of atherosclerosis.
7. A patient with chronic arterial insufficiency has a foot ulcer on the distal toe. Which wound
characteristic would be most consistent with arterial disease?
A. Irregular superficial ulcer near the medial ankle
B. Large amount of serous drainage
C. Warm erythematous surrounding skin
D. Painful, sharply demarcated ulcer with a pale or necrotic base
Answer: D
Rationale: Arterial ulcers commonly occur distally and are painful with sharply defined
margins and poor perfusion.
8. A patient with severe PAD reports nighttime foot pain that improves when sitting with the
leg hanging down. What does this pattern indicate?
A. Venous hypertension
B. Advanced arterial insufficiency with ischemic rest pain
C. Musculoskeletal strain
D. Lymphatic obstruction
Answer: B
Rationale: Dependent positioning can temporarily improve arterial perfusion in severe
ischemic disease.
9. A patient with PAD has an ABI of 1.45 and diabetes. Which test would provide better
information about distal perfusion?
A. Chest radiograph
B. Serum sodium level
C. Toe-brachial index or another noninvasive perfusion study
, D. Pulmonary function testing
Answer: C
Rationale: Very high ABI values can reflect noncompressible calcified arteries, making toe
pressures more informative.
10. A patient with PAD is prescribed antiplatelet therapy. What is the primary therapeutic goal?
A. Increase venous return
B. Dissolve existing arterial plaques immediately
C. Reduce the risk of arterial thrombotic cardiovascular events
D. Increase red blood cell production
Answer: C
Rationale: Antiplatelet therapy reduces platelet-mediated thrombosis and cardiovascular
events associated with atherosclerotic disease.
11. A patient with PAD develops a new foot wound. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
A. Apply tight compression without assessment
B. Soak the foot in hot water daily
C. Assess perfusion and protect the wound while arranging appropriate vascular and
wound evaluation
D. Encourage barefoot walking to stimulate circulation
Answer: C
Rationale: Ischemic wounds require careful perfusion assessment and protection because
impaired blood flow delays healing.
12. A patient with PAD asks whether a heating pad should be placed on the cold foot. Which
response is safest?
A. Use the highest temperature for 30 minutes
B. Use heat only while sleeping
C. Avoid direct heat because impaired sensation and circulation increase burn risk
D. Apply heat under compression stockings
Answer: C
Rationale: Ischemic extremities are vulnerable to thermal injury because perfusion and
protective sensation may be impaired.
13. A patient develops acute arterial occlusion after a cardiac procedure. Which assessment
finding would be most concerning?
A. Mild bilateral ankle swelling
B. Sudden loss of pulse distal to the obstruction
C. Gradual skin thickening
D. Brown pigmentation around the ankle
Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden pulse loss is a major indicator of acute arterial obstruction.
14. A patient with PAD is prescribed a statin despite having a normal LDL level. What is the best
rationale?
A. Statins directly dissolve thrombi
B. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk reduction remains important in PAD
C. Statins increase peripheral edema
D. Statins replace antiplatelet therapy in all patients
Answer: B
, Rationale: PAD is a manifestation of systemic atherosclerotic disease for which
cardiovascular risk reduction is central.
15. A patient with intermittent claudication asks why symptoms occur at a predictable walking
distance. What is the best explanation?
A. Venous valves fail at a fixed walking distance
B. Exercise increases oxygen demand beyond the delivery capacity of narrowed arteries
C. Muscles release toxins after exactly two blocks
D. Arterial pressure always falls after walking two blocks
Answer: B
Rationale: Fixed arterial obstruction limits oxygen delivery when exercise increases muscle
metabolic demand.
16. A patient with PAD has a new dependent-red appearance of the foot and severe pain. Which
interpretation is most appropriate?
A. Normal reperfusion
B. Venous stasis only
C. Possible advanced ischemia requiring urgent evaluation
D. Improved arterial circulation
Answer: C
Rationale: Dependent rubor accompanied by ischemic pain can indicate severe arterial
insufficiency.
17. A patient with PAD asks why leg elevation increases discomfort. Which mechanism explains
this finding?
A. Elevation increases venous pressure
B. Elevation reduces the hydrostatic contribution to arterial perfusion in an already
ischemic limb
C. Elevation causes arterial dilation
D. Elevation increases tissue oxygen demand
Answer: B
Rationale: In severe arterial disease, elevation can further reduce distal arterial perfusion and
worsen ischemic pain.
18. A patient with suspected PAD has a weak posterior tibial pulse but a palpable dorsalis pedis
pulse. What should the nurse do?
A. Diagnose acute ischemia immediately
B. Ignore the finding because one pulse is present
C. Compare bilaterally and assess trends, skin findings, and other perfusion indicators
D. Apply compression immediately
Answer: C
Rationale: Peripheral pulses vary anatomically, so interpretation should incorporate bilateral
comparison and the overall vascular assessment.
19. A patient with PAD is preparing for discharge. Which foot-care instruction is most
important?
A. Trim corns aggressively at home
B. Walk barefoot indoors
C. Inspect the feet daily and promptly report wounds or color changes
D. Use very hot water to improve circulation
