What circulatory signs are present in venous insufficiency?

• A. Present pulse but difficult to palpate, warm limbs, severe edema present, pitting
• B. Absent pulse, cool limbs, no edema, non-pitting
• C. Bounding pulse, cool limbs, no edema
• D. Pulses not assessed, warm, minimal edema

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that venous insufficiency causes swelling from fluid backing up in the legs while arterial blood flow remains intact. Because of the edema, the pulse can be present but hard to feel. The limb tends to be warm due to venous congestion, and the edema is usually severe and pitting when pressed. This combination—a present but perhaps difficult-to-palpate pulse, warm and swollen extremities with pitting edema—fits venous disease best. Other options describe signs more typical of arterial problems, like cool limbs with absent or diminished pulses and non-pitting edema, or scenarios with minimal edema where venous signs are less evident.