Which late complication can occur with peripheral arterial disease?

Which late complication can occur with peripheral arterial disease?

• A. Deep vein thrombosis
• B. Lymphedema
• C. Toe ulcers and gangrene
• D. Pulmonary edema

Answer: (C)

Chronic reduced arterial blood flow from PAD causes tissue ischemia that can progress to nonhealing wounds and tissue death in the feet and toes. Over time, the lack of adequate perfusion leads to toe ulcers and, with ongoing ischemia or infection, gangrene. These are late complications because they arise from long-standing arterial insufficiency and tissue hypoxia. The other conditions involve different systems: deep vein thrombosis is a venous problem with swelling and warmth; lymphedema involves lymphatic obstruction; pulmonary edema results from fluid overload affecting the lungs. They are not typical late complications of arterial insufficiency.

Chronic reduced arterial blood flow from PAD causes tissue ischemia that can progress to nonhealing wounds and tissue death in the feet and toes. Over time, the lack of adequate perfusion leads to toe ulcers and, with ongoing ischemia or infection, gangrene. These are late complications because they arise from long-standing arterial insufficiency and tissue hypoxia.

The other conditions involve different systems: deep vein thrombosis is a venous problem with swelling and warmth; lymphedema involves lymphatic obstruction; pulmonary edema results from fluid overload affecting the lungs. They are not typical late complications of arterial insufficiency.