Physiological Adaptation Q 111
Claudication is a well-known effect of peripheral vascular disease. Which of the following facts about claudication is correct? Select all that apply:
A. It results when oxygen demand is greater than oxygen supply.
B. It is characterized by pain that often occurs during rest.
C. It is a result of tissue hypoxia.
D. It is characterized by cramping and weakness.
E. It always affects the upper extremities.
Correct Answer: A, C, & D.
Claudication describes the pain experienced by a patient with a peripheral vascular disease when oxygen demand in the leg muscles exceeds the oxygen supply. The tissue becomes hypoxic, causing cramping, weakness, and discomfort.
Option A: Claudication refers to muscle pain due to lack of oxygen that’s triggered by activity and relieved by rest.
Option B: This most often occurs during activity when demand increases in muscle tissue.
Option C: The condition is also called intermittent claudication because the pain usually isn’t constant. It begins during exercise and ends with rest. As claudication worsens, however, the pain may occur during rest.
Option D: Claudication is pain caused by too little blood flow to muscles during exercise. Most often this pain occurs in the legs after walking at a certain pace and for a certain amount of time — depending on the severity of the condition.
Option E: Pain in the shoulders, biceps, and forearms may occur, but less often.