For venous issues in Peripheral Vascular Disease, how should the legs be positioned?

• A. Dependent
• B. Extended
• C. Straight
• D. Elevated

Answer: (D)

In the context of Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), elevating the legs is vital for managing venous issues. When legs are elevated, it helps to reduce venous pressure and improve venous return to the heart. This position can aid in decreasing any swelling and discomfort that may be associated with venous insufficiency, which is common in PVD. The elevation allows gravity to assist in the venous return, reducing the load on the venous system and potentially decreasing the risk of complications such as venous ulcers.

In contrast, positioning the legs in a dependent manner would lead to increased venous pooling and could exacerbate swelling and discomfort. Extended or straight leg positioning does not directly address the issue of venous return, and while they may be neutral positions, they do not provide the benefits that elevation does for patients experiencing venous problems in PVD.