Absent Dorsalis Pedis in Surgery — 68yo Man | Vascular Surgery | SMLE Q#16740
SMLE Question #16740
Surgery
Vascular Surgery
Last updated: February 2026
A 68-year-old man presents 1 hour after sudden severe right leg pain. He has atrial fibrillation and is not taking anticoagulation. His right foot became cold and pale within minutes, and he cannot move his toes. The right leg below the knee is pale and cool with absent dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses, reduced light-touch sensation, and marked weakness of ankle dorsiflexion; the left leg is normal. What is the most appropriate initial step in management?
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