National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What type of ulcer is indicated by a patient with cool legs, hair loss, and a small circular wound with intense pain while walking?

1. Pressure

2. Diabetic

3. Venous

4. Arterial

The correct answer is: Arterial

The characteristics presented in the question strongly suggest that the patient is experiencing an arterial ulcer. Arterial ulcers typically occur due to insufficient blood flow to a specific area, often resulting from peripheral artery disease. This insufficient blood supply leads to symptoms such as coolness in the extremities, which is a reflection of reduced circulation. Hair loss on the legs is another common sign, as adequate blood flow is necessary for hair follicles to thrive. The description of a small circular wound accompanied by intense pain while walking is also indicative of arterial ulcers, as they often present as well-defined, pale wounds that are painful due to the lack of oxygen-rich blood. In contrast, pressure ulcers usually occur over bony prominences due to prolonged pressure and are often not characterized by the intense pain or coldness seen in arterial ulcers. Diabetic ulcers, while they can also be caused by poor circulation, are often located on the plantar surface of the foot and may not present with the same pain symptoms. Venous ulcers generally occur in areas where venous blood accumulation happens, typically around the ankles, and are usually accompanied by edema and a different type of wound appearance. Taken together, the combination of cool legs, hair loss, described wound characteristics, and pain on ambulation