Which feature is typical of arterial insufficiency ulcers?

Which feature is typical of arterial insufficiency ulcers?

• A. They occur on the toes or feet with pale, shiny skin and diminished pulses.
• B. Usually near the medial malleolus with edema.
• C. Have irregular edges with heavy drainage.
• D. Are associated with warm, reddened skin.

Answer: (B)

Arterial ulcers come from poor arterial blood flow to distal tissues, so the skin in the affected area is usually cool, pale, and shiny, and the pulse in that leg or foot is diminished. The ulcer itself tends to appear on the toes or feet, often with a well-defined or punched-out edge and a dry, necrotic base with little drainage. Pain is common, especially with elevation or at night, reflecting the ischemia. This pattern helps distinguish arterial ulcers from venous ulcers, which typically occur near the medial malleolus and are associated with edema and more drainage, or from inflammatory changes that make the skin warm and reddened.

Arterial ulcers come from poor arterial blood flow to distal tissues, so the skin in the affected area is usually cool, pale, and shiny, and the pulse in that leg or foot is diminished. The ulcer itself tends to appear on the toes or feet, often with a well-defined or punched-out edge and a dry, necrotic base with little drainage. Pain is common, especially with elevation or at night, reflecting the ischemia.

This pattern helps distinguish arterial ulcers from venous ulcers, which typically occur near the medial malleolus and are associated with edema and more drainage, or from inflammatory changes that make the skin warm and reddened.