RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 379 of 2368

A client has a painful, punched-out ulcer on the heel with a black wound base. Which action is appropriate for the client's affected extremity?

  1. Avoid elevating the leg in most cases
  2. Elevate the leg on pillows to reduce edema
  3. Apply a multilayer compression bandage
  4. Apply a transparent film over the ulcer
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Correct answer: Avoid elevating the leg in most cases

Arterial ulcers result from poor blood flow. In most cases the extremity should not be elevated, to promote perfusion.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Wound Care: Consider the Big Picture. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026