Which is a clinical indication for a lower extremity arterial exam?

• A. Edema/swelling
• B. Palpable cord in leg
• C. Cold leg
• D. Claudication or intermittent claudication

Answer: (D)

Claudication represents a classic sign of peripheral arterial disease, where leg muscle pain occurs with walking and is relieved by rest due to reduced blood flow. This pattern directly indicates arterial insufficiency in the lower extremities, making an arterial exam the appropriate next step to assess blood flow, identify blockages, and plan treatment.

Edema or swelling is more often linked to venous problems or systemic issues, not primarily arterial insufficiency. A palpable cord points to superficial thrombophlebitis, a venous condition rather than an arterial one. A cold leg can be a warning sign of acute limb ischemia, which is urgent but not the typical chronic indication used to justify a standard arterial assessment for claudication. Thus, claudication is the best indicator for an arterial evaluation of the leg.