The nurse is reinforcing teaching for managing the pain of peripheral arterial disease. Which patient statement indicates correct understanding of discharge instructions?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Using a reclining chair may reduce leg blood flow in peripheral arterial disease, worsening ischemia and pain. Exercises like knee flexion promote circulation, making this statement incorrect, as it indicates a need for teaching to avoid positions that impair arterial perfusion. Choice B reason: Knee flexion exercises promote blood flow and collateral circulation in peripheral arterial disease, reducing ischemic pain by improving oxygen delivery to tissues. This statement reflects correct understanding of pain management strategies, making it the appropriate choice for effective discharge teaching. Choice C reason: Lying down frequently does not specifically address pain in peripheral arterial disease, where exercise improves circulation. Prolonged rest may worsen stasis, making this statement incorrect, as it indicates a need for teaching to emphasize active interventions like exercise for pain relief. Choice D reason: Sitting with legs down may increase edema or reduce arterial flow in peripheral arterial disease, worsening pain. Exercises like knee flexion are preferred to enhance circulation, making this statement incorrect, as it requires further teaching to correct positioning for pain management.