CEA Nursing Practice Exam

Patients with peripheral arterial disease and intermittent claudication may benefit from which medication?

1. Cilostazol (Pletal)

2. Gabapentin (Neurontin)

3. Furosemide (Lasix)

4. Methotrexate (Trexall)

The correct answer is: Cilostazol (Pletal)

Cilostazol (Pletal) is a medication that has been shown to improve symptoms in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication. Its primary action is as a vasodilator, which helps to widen blood vessels and increase blood flow to the affected limbs. This increased blood flow can alleviate the leg pain associated with intermittent claudication, allowing patients to walk longer distances without discomfort. Cilostazol also has antiplatelet properties, which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events commonly associated with PAD. The combination of improved blood flow and reduced clot formation makes cilostazol particularly effective for managing the symptoms of intermittent claudication. Other medications listed, such as gabapentin, furosemide, and methotrexate, do not have the targeted effects on blood flow or claudication symptoms in PAD patients. Gabapentin is primarily used for nerve pain and does not address the vascular aspects of PAD. Furosemide is a diuretic and is used to manage fluid retention, while methotrexate is an immunosuppressant used mainly for autoimmune diseases and certain cancers, making them unsuitable for treating intermittent claudication. Thus, cilostazol stands out as the most