Which skin characteristic is typical of arterial insufficiency?

• A. Pale skin that pales with elevation
• B. Warm, flushed skin
• C. Thick, calloused skin
• D. Erythematous, moist skin

Answer: (D)

Arterial insufficiency reduces blood flow to the skin, so the area tends to be pale, dry, and cool. A classic sign is pallor that becomes more noticeable when the limb is elevated, because gravity no longer helps deliver arterial blood to the tissue. This elevation-induced pallor reflects reduced arterial inflow and tissue ischemia. In contrast, warmth or redness indicates increased perfusion or inflammation, not arterial insufficiency. Thick, calloused skin or erythematous, moist skin are more commonly associated with chronic venous changes or dermatitis/infection, not with arterial underperfusion. So the skin finding most consistent with arterial insufficiency is pale skin that pales with elevation.