Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In cases of arterial occlusion, the pain typically arises from inadequate blood flow, leading to ischemia in the affected limb. Resting the affected limb is crucial because it reduces the demand for oxygen by the muscles, which helps alleviate the ischemic pain. When the patient rests, the metabolic demand decreases, allowing any residual blood flow to meet the needs of the tissues more effectively, often resulting in pain relief within a short timeframe.

In contrast, applying heat to the area is generally not advisable, as this may exacerbate the problem by causing vasodilation and potentially increasing blood flow demands in an area already starved for adequate oxygen. Movement or walking can further stress the affected area, potentially worsening pain due to increased muscle activity and demand, while raising the legs high may not effectively address the underlying issue of arterial occlusion and could even lead to complications in certain circumstances.