Which condition is characterized by edema, thick skin, weepy, and discolored lower extremities?

Prepare for the ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to succeed. Ace your exam!

The condition characterized by edema, thick skin, weepy, and discolored lower extremities is indicative of venous insufficiency. In this condition, the veins in the legs have difficulty returning blood to the heart, which leads to increased pressure and resulting fluid accumulation in the tissues.

Edema occurs when fluid leaks from the capillaries into surrounding tissue, causing swelling, particularly noticeable in the lower extremities. The thickening of the skin, known as lipodermatosclerosis, can occur due to chronic venous hypertension, leading to changes in skin texture and color. Weepy skin often results from the body's attempt to manage the excess fluid, leading to possible skin breakdown and increased susceptibility to infections. Skin discoloration is due to the pooling of blood in the veins, causing pigmentation changes.

This cluster of symptoms is distinctive to venous insufficiency, setting it apart from the other conditions listed. While arterial insufficiency may lead to some skin changes, it typically presents with pallor and coolness, not weeping or thickened skin. Lymphatic obstruction might also cause swelling but would not present with the same texture changes or discoloration. Diabetes complications could lead to various skin changes, but the specific combination of symptoms described aligns closely with

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy