Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

What might be an expected finding in a patient with LEAD?

1. Elevated heart rate at rest

2. Venous filling time less than 10 seconds

3. Weak or absent pulses

4. Increased muscle mass in limbs

The correct answer is: Weak or absent pulses

In a patient with LEAD, or Lower Extremity Arterial Disease, one of the hallmark findings is weak or absent pulses in the limbs. This condition is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, which leads to narrowed or blocked arteries in the lower extremities, significantly reducing blood flow. Due to this impaired circulation, the ability to palpate pulses in the affected areas can be diminished or completely absent, indicating severely compromised blood supply. Weak or absent pulses are crucial clinical indicators in assessing the severity of LEAD, as they reflect the extent of arterial occlusion. Clinicians often check the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses to evaluate peripheral circulation. In contrast, other options reflect findings that may not be commonly associated with LEAD. For instance, an elevated heart rate at rest could suggest a variety of other conditions but is not a specific indicator of LEAD. Similarly, a venous filling time of less than 10 seconds is more relevant to venous insufficiency rather than arterial disease. Increased muscle mass in limbs typically contradicts the state of LEAD, as reduced blood flow can lead to muscle atrophy rather than hypertrophy.