Question

You are palpating bilateral pedal pulses and cannot feel one of the pulses. The feet are equally warm. You find that both great toes are pink, with a capillary refill within 2 seconds. Which of the following statements is correct?

(A) Immediate emergency surgery is indicated.
(B) Pedal pulses are not always palpable, especially in a fat or edematous ankle.
(C) Unilateral pulses are never normal.
(D) Venogram studies will be needed.

Answer 1

Answer: the correct answer is (B) Pedal pulses are not always palpable, especially in a fat or edematous ankle.

Explanation: It is difficult to assess pulsation in a fat or edematous anckle. If there is a lot of subcutaneous fat, you will need to push firmly to look for the right vessel.