Which sign is commonly associated with arterial insufficiency?

Which sign is commonly associated with arterial insufficiency?

• A. Dependant edema
• B. Varicose veins
• C. Pigmented skin changes
• D. Cold-to-touch extremities

Answer: (D)

Arterial insufficiency reduces blood flow to the limbs, so the skin and tissues run cooler than normal. Cold-to-touch extremities reflect the diminished arterial inflow and are a classic sign of decreased perfusion. In contrast, dependent edema and varicose veins point to venous problems, and pigmented skin changes typically arise from chronic venous stasis. Additional arterial signs include diminished or absent leg pulses, pallor with elevation, and claudication.

Arterial insufficiency reduces blood flow to the limbs, so the skin and tissues run cooler than normal. Cold-to-touch extremities reflect the diminished arterial inflow and are a classic sign of decreased perfusion. In contrast, dependent edema and varicose veins point to venous problems, and pigmented skin changes typically arise from chronic venous stasis. Additional arterial signs include diminished or absent leg pulses, pallor with elevation, and claudication.