Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which condition is characterized by vasospasms leading to color changes in extremities?

1. Peripheral artery disease

2. Raynaud's syndrome

3. Diabetes mellitus

4. Hyperlipidemia

The correct answer is: Raynaud's syndrome

Raynaud's syndrome is a condition specifically characterized by episodic vasospasms, primarily affecting the small arteries in the extremities, such as fingers and toes. During these episodes, blood flow decreases significantly, leading to noticeable color changes in the affected areas, typically exhibiting a progression from pallor (white) to cyanosis (blue) and returning to erythema (red) once blood flow returns. This phenomenon is often triggered by cold exposure or emotional stress. The other conditions mentioned do not primarily present with such distinctive vasospasms resulting in color changes of the extremities. Peripheral artery disease involves atherosclerotic narrowing that leads to decreased blood flow but does not typically cause the characteristic color changes seen in Raynaud's. Diabetes mellitus can lead to vascular complications and peripheral neuropathy, but it does not cause the acute vasospastic events. Similarly, hyperlipidemia refers to elevated lipid levels in the blood and is a risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases, but it does not involve the vasospastic responses or the color changes described in the question. Thus, Raynaud's syndrome is the condition most accurately described by the symptoms of vasospasm and color changes in extremities.