The nurse is assessing a patient with arterial insufficiency. The patient complains of lower leg pain when walking up the stairs, but states that it is relieved by rest. This phenomenon is called

Explanation

• Claudication refers to a cramp-like pain in the leg muscles after a small amount of physical activity. It is caused by poor circulation to the extremities because the muscles in the legs (usually the calves) are not getting adequate oxygen to meet increased demands during periods of activity.

• Incorrect: Raynaud's phenomenon is a vasospastic disorder that compromises blood flow to the extremities and is triggered by cold temperatures or stress, not physical activity.

• Incorrect: Vasospasm refers to sudden, involuntary constriction of blood vessels and is not related to physical activity.

• Incorrect: Lazarus syndrome is the spontaneous return of circulation after failed attempts at resuscitation.

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