PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which symptom is often relieved by standing still after walking?

1. Shortness of breath

2. Claudication

3. Chest pain

4. Fatigue

The correct answer is: Claudication

The symptom that is often relieved by standing still after walking is claudication. Claudication refers to pain and cramping in the legs due to inadequate blood flow, often occurring during physical activities such as walking. This condition is typically caused by peripheral artery disease, where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. When a person experiences claudication, the pain usually subsides when they stop walking and stand still or rest. This is because standing still allows blood flow to return to the affected muscles without the increased demand for oxygen that occurs during exertion. Once the individual resumes walking, the pain may return if the exertion level exceeds the blood supply available due to the arterial blockages. In contrast, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue may not have the same relief characteristics associated with stopping movement. Shortness of breath can occur due to various pulmonary or cardiac issues and does not necessarily improve significantly by simply standing still. Chest pain may indicate more serious conditions, such as angina or myocardial infarction, which require a different approach for management. Fatigue is a general term that can arise from various causes, including physical exertion, but does not have a specific relationship with standing still like claudication does. Understanding this