DPM DPM Vascular & Neurological Conditions of the Lower Extremity 2

Question 1

What is the most common underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes mellitus

Answer

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in the US, affecting up to 50% of diabetic patients.

Question 2

Which type of nerve fiber is first affected in diabetic peripheral neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Small unmyelinated C fibers and Aδ fibers

Answer

Small fiber neuropathy affects unmyelinated C fibers (pain, temperature) and thinly myelinated Aδ fibers first, causing burning pain before large-fiber deficits appear.

Question 3

Which clinical finding is characteristic of Raynaud's phenomenon in the feet?

Accepted Answer

Triphasic color change: white → blue → red with cold exposure

Answer

Raynaud's phenomenon causes episodic vasospasm resulting in a classic triphasic color change (pallor → cyanosis → erythema) triggered by cold or emotional stress.

Question 4

An ABI value greater than 1.3 in a diabetic patient suggests:

Accepted Answer

Non-compressible calcified vessels giving falsely elevated readings

Answer

In diabetic and elderly patients, medial arterial calcification can render vessels incompressible, producing falsely elevated ABI values above 1.3 that do not reflect true arterial perfusion.

Question 5

Which medication class is the cornerstone of medical management for symptomatic peripheral arterial disease?

Accepted Answer

Antiplatelet agents (aspirin or clopidogrel)

Answer

Antiplatelet therapy with aspirin or clopidogrel reduces cardiovascular events and is the cornerstone of medical management for PAD.

(DPM) Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Practice Test

(DPM) Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Practice Test

DPM DPM Vascular & Neurological Conditions of the Lower Extremity 2