Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What condition is a patient most likely to experience during exercise if they have a strong pulse at the popliteal artery but a weak pulse at the dorsalis pedis artery?

1. Intermittent claudication

2. Orthopnea

3. Deep vein thrombophlebitis

4. Venous thrombosis

The correct answer is: Intermittent claudication

A strong pulse at the popliteal artery coupled with a weak pulse at the dorsalis pedis artery is indicative of potential arterial occlusion or peripheral artery disease (PAD) affecting the lower extremities. This scenario often leads to intermittent claudication, which is characterized by pain, cramping, or heaviness in the muscles of the legs during exercise due to insufficient blood flow. The discrepancy between a strong popliteal pulse and a weak dorsalis pedis pulse suggests that blood flow may be restricted from reaching the more distal areas of the leg, particularly during physical activity when the muscles demand increased oxygen and nutrients. Therefore, the condition that is most likely experienced during exercise under these circumstances is intermittent claudication, making it the appropriate choice in this scenario.