A client with peripheral arterial disease presents with an open wound on the left shin. Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect?

In the case of a client with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) presenting with an open wound on the left shin, the expectation of pain is grounded in the characteristic symptoms associated with this condition. Peripheral arterial disease leads to reduced blood flow to the limbs due to narrowed or blocked arteries, resulting in inadequate oxygenation and nutrient delivery to tissues.

This compromised blood supply can cause pain, particularly during activities such as walking or even at rest, a phenomenon known as claudication. Patients often describe the pain as cramping or aching in the legs, especially in the calf region, but it can be present at the site of the wound on the shin. This pain can increase in severity with physical activity and may not fully alleviate until the activity is stopped, reflecting the underlying ischemia caused by the reduced peripheral circulation.

While other symptoms such as edema, loss of hair, and tissue necrosis may also occur due to poor circulation, pain remains one of the most consistent and immediate manifestations seen in patients with peripheral arterial disease and is critical for assessing the severity of their condition and the healing potential of any existing wounds.