PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT one of the classic signs and symptoms of acute arterial occlusion?

1. Pain

2. Fever

3. Pallor

4. Paresehtsia

The correct answer is: Fever

In the context of acute arterial occlusion, the classic signs and symptoms are often referred to as the "five P's," which include pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, and paralysis. Among these, pain is a hallmark symptom that typically presents suddenly and is often severe, resulting from the ischemia caused by the blockage of blood flow. Pallor is another key symptom; as blood flow becomes compromised, the affected limb may exhibit a pale appearance due to reduced perfusion. Paresthesia, characterized by abnormal sensations such as tingling or numbness, can occur as nerve tissues are deprived of oxygenated blood. Fever, however, is not associated with acute arterial occlusion. In fact, fever would suggest an inflammatory or infectious process rather than an isolated vascular event. Therefore, fever does not fit within the framework of the classic signs and symptoms of acute arterial occlusion. This distinction is important for clinical assessment and management, highlighting the need to differentiate between conditions that present with similar signs but stem from different underlying causes.