Which finding is most consistent with an arterial embolism causing acute limb ischemia?

• A. Lower Extremity Edema
• B. Stasis Dermatitis
• C. Palpable Cord
• D. Pulselessness

Answer: (D)

An arterial embolism causing acute limb ischemia directly cuts off blood flow to the downstream tissues, so the most consistent finding is the absence of a distal arterial pulse. When a limb loses its arterial supply suddenly, the pulse beyond the blockage cannot be felt, reflecting acute perfusion failure. This is part of the classic presentation often summarized as sudden severe pain with pallor, coldness, and pulselessness of the limb.

The other options reflect venous or non-arterial processes rather than acute arterial occlusion: edema and stasis dermatitis are chronic changes from venous insufficiency, and a palpable cord usually points to a superficial venous process rather than an arterial blockage.