In the context of Peripheral Vascular Disease, how should the position of legs be arranged for arterial issues?

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

Answer: (B)

In cases of Peripheral Vascular Disease, particularly relating to arterial issues, the legs are best positioned in a dependent position. This means allowing the legs to hang down or be at a level lower than the heart. The reasoning behind this positioning is to enhance blood flow to the lower extremities.

When the legs are dependent, gravity aids in increasing the venous return and arterial perfusion to the tissues that may already be compromised due to reduced blood flow associated with arterial diseases. In contrast, elevating the legs can exacerbate ischemic conditions because it might further reduce perfusion to already affected areas. Positions such as crossed legs can restrict blood flow, whereas simply keeping them straight does not leverage gravity to assist blood flow as effectively as having them in a dependent position does. Thus, for optimal circulation and to help mitigate the symptoms related to arterial issues in Peripheral Vascular Disease, the legs should be arranged in a dependent position.