Which client outcome indicates a successful recovery for a patient post-femoral-popliteal angioplasty?

A successful recovery following a femoral-popliteal angioplasty is indicated by the patient starting to walk without any signs of leg pain. This outcome signals that the procedure has effectively improved blood flow to the leg, alleviating symptoms associated with peripheral artery disease, such as claudication (pain in the legs during exercise due to inadequate blood flow).

The absence of leg pain during ambulation is crucial because it confirms that the patient's cardiovascular system is functioning better and that the angioplasty has provided its intended benefit of improving circulation. This improvement not only enhances the patient's ability to ambulate but also suggests a reduction in the risk of future complications related to impaired blood flow, thereby contributing to the overall quality of life.

In contrast, experiencing intermittent leg pain during ambulation indicates that the vascular issue may still be present or that the angioplasty did not fully address the underlying problem. Maintaining stable blood pressure levels is important but is not a direct measure of the specific success of the angioplasty regarding leg pain. Similarly, reduced fluid retention in the extremities does not directly assess the effectiveness of the procedure on improving blood flow; while it's a positive outcome, it is more related to fluid status rather than the primary outcome of the angioplasty itself.