RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 118 of 2368

Which finding should the nurse recognize as a sign of arterial insufficiency in the lower extremity?

  1. Cool, pale skin with pain that increases with exercise
  2. Brownish, leathery skin with swelling of the lower leg
  3. Weeping ulcers with edema around the ankle
  4. Warm, red skin with pooled blood in the lower leg
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Correct answer: Cool, pale skin with pain that increases with exercise

Cool temperature, pale color, and pain that worsens with exercise point to arterial insufficiency. The other findings suggest venous insufficiency.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Integumentary: ARTERIAL INSUFFICIENCY. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026