PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a symptom associated with acute arterial occlusion?

1. Pulselessness

2. Diarrhea

3. Chest tightness

4. Severe headache

The correct answer is: Pulselessness

Pulselessness is indeed a primary symptom associated with acute arterial occlusion. This condition occurs when blood flow is suddenly interrupted in a limb due to a blockage in an artery, often caused by a thrombus or embolus. The sudden halting of blood flow leads to the characteristic absence of pulse in the affected area, as there is no arterial blood supply reaching the tissues. The presence of pulselessness in acute arterial occlusion is critical as it typically indicates a significant loss of perfusion, which can result in tissue ischemia and necrosis if not promptly addressed. Other symptoms accompanying this condition may include pain, coldness, and pallor in the affected limb, but pulselessness stands out as a definitive sign. The other choices, while they could indicate serious medical concerns, do not relate specifically to acute arterial occlusion. Diarrhea is generally gastrointestinal in nature, chest tightness may indicate cardiovascular issues such as angina or myocardial infarction, and a severe headache could point toward conditions affecting the brain or other parts of the central nervous system. Thus, pulselessness is the symptom that directly correlates with the acute loss of blood flow in arterial occlusion scenarios.