Which symptom is most characteristic of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Prepare for the Selected Cervical Pathologies, Dysfunctions, and Treatments Test with diverse question formats. Learn through explanations and hints to ensure understanding. Be exam-ready!

Multiple Choice

Which symptom is most characteristic of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome?

Explanation:
Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome causes reduced blood flow to the hand because the subclavian or axillary artery is compressed. The most telling sign is pallor of the fingers (often with a cold hand) due to arterial insufficiency and a diminished or absent pulse with activity. Paresthesias can occur if nearby nerves are involved, but they are not specific to arterial TOS. Cyanosis of the hand points more toward venous congestion or severe, prolonged ischemia and is not the typical early feature of arterial TOS. So, pallor of the fingers best reflects the arterial blood–flow problem at the thoracic outlet.

Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome causes reduced blood flow to the hand because the subclavian or axillary artery is compressed. The most telling sign is pallor of the fingers (often with a cold hand) due to arterial insufficiency and a diminished or absent pulse with activity. Paresthesias can occur if nearby nerves are involved, but they are not specific to arterial TOS. Cyanosis of the hand points more toward venous congestion or severe, prolonged ischemia and is not the typical early feature of arterial TOS. So, pallor of the fingers best reflects the arterial blood–flow problem at the thoracic outlet.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy