Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

In cases of venous occlusion, pitting edema is a common physical finding due to the impaired venous return, which leads to an accumulation of fluid in the affected extremity. When the veins are obstructed, blood flow back to the heart is hindered, causing increased hydrostatic pressure in the capillaries. This pressure forces fluid out of the vascular space and into the interstitial tissue, resulting in swelling or edema.

Pitting edema specifically refers to the indentation that remains when pressure is applied to the swollen area, a characteristic feature that distinguishes venous issues from other causes of edema. This physiological response is significant as it highlights the impact of venous obstruction on fluid balance within the body.

In contrast, the other findings listed typically pertain to arterial occlusion or other systemic issues rather than venous occlusion. For instance, an absent pulse and elevation causing pallor are more indicative of arterial insufficiency, where blood flow is compromised due to issues with arteries rather than veins. As for absence of warmth in the leg, this often aligns with arterial conditions where decreased blood flow results in cooler extremities.