A patient with peripheral vascular disease is at risk for amputation due to ischemia. What is a critical assessment the nurse should perform regularly?

A. While monitoring blood glucose is important for patients with diabetes, it does not directly assess the perfusion status of the extremities. Hyperglycemia can worsen vascular complications over time, but it is not an immediate indicator of ischemia. B. Capillary refill time is a direct, non-invasive measure of peripheral perfusion. In patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), delayed refill indicates impaired blood flow, which increases the risk of tissue ischemia and potential amputation. Regular assessment allows for early detection of vascular compromise and timely interventions. C. While PVD can cause neuropathy or paresthesia, neurological assessment does not provide direct information about tissue perfusion. It is a secondary concern compared to detecting ischemia that could lead to amputation. D. Nutritional assessment is important for overall health and wound healing, but it does not provide immediate information about peripheral blood flow or ischemic risk.