# A client with known peripheral arterial disease has vascular measurements repeated after a procedure. The nurse compares each ankle with its own prior reading while checking for new perfusion problems. Click the current result showing the larger adverse change despite not being the lowest absolute ankle pressure.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=581198&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Reduction of Risk Potential  
> category: ROR

## Question

A client with known peripheral arterial disease has vascular measurements repeated after a procedure. The nurse compares each ankle with its own prior reading while checking for new perfusion problems. Click the current result showing the larger adverse change despite not being the lowest absolute ankle pressure.

![](https://mymerci.kr/data/nclex/hotspot/regen_20260908_2350/HSR535.svg)

## Explanation

D falls from 135 to 80 mm Hg on the right, while the left rises slightly from 70 to 75.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
D. D falls from 135 to 80 mm Hg on the right, while the left rises slightly from 70 to 75.
Why this is the best choice
The unchanged brachial reference reduces a systemic-pressure explanation. The right-sided decline is new; the lower left pressure is longstanding in this record. Reassess the limb and escalate the new change with the full neurovascular findings rather than treating the lowest absolute value as the only concern.
Clinical picture
The observations are fictional teaching data. Apply the stated context; the selected feature does not by itself replace a complete bedside assessment.
Memory hook
Compare each site with its own baseline while controlling for the systemic reference.
Decision rule
Compare each site with its own baseline while controlling for the systemic reference.
Why the other regions do not fit
A and C are prior readings. B is the lower current ankle pressure but has not declined from its own prior value. D is higher than B in absolute terms yet has the important new drop.
**Sources**
- Ankle and arm pressure comparisons are used in peripheral arterial assessment; new changes require clinical correlation.

## Key concepts

- **New peripheral pressure decline versus chronic low baseline** — Compare each site with its own baseline while controlling for the systemic reference.
- **Comparison with context** — B is the lowest current value but is similar to the known prior value.

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