Questions: To assess for peripheral vascular disease in the lower extremities, a nurse should: - Check for the presence of a radial pulse - Inspect for skin color and temperature changes - Evaluate respiratory function - Measure blood pressure

The answer is the second one: Inspect for skin color and temperature changes.

Explanation for each option:

1. Check for the presence of a radial pulse: This is incorrect because the radial pulse is located in the wrist, which is part of the upper extremities. Peripheral vascular disease in the lower extremities would not be assessed by checking the radial pulse.

2. Inspect for skin color and temperature changes: This is correct. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in the lower extremities can lead to changes in skin color (such as pallor or cyanosis) and temperature (coolness due to reduced blood flow). These are key indicators that a nurse should assess.

3. Evaluate respiratory function: This is incorrect because respiratory function is not directly related to peripheral vascular disease in the lower extremities. PVD primarily affects blood flow in the limbs, not the respiratory system.

4. Measure blood pressure: This is incorrect in the context of specifically assessing for peripheral vascular disease in the lower extremities. While blood pressure measurement is important for overall cardiovascular assessment, it does not directly assess the presence of PVD in the lower extremities.

Summary: To assess for peripheral vascular disease in the lower extremities, a nurse should inspect for skin color and temperature changes.