Raynaud's phenomenon is best described as what?

• A. Chronic muscle weakness
• B. Increased blood flow to skin
• C. Artery spasm causing discoloration
• D. Nerve entrapment

Answer: (C)

Raynaud's phenomenon is a vasospastic problem of the small arteries in the fingers and toes. When exposed to cold or stress, the digital arteries constrict suddenly, reducing blood flow and causing the skin to pale, then blue as oxygen is depleted, and finally red when blood flow returns. The hallmark is the arterial spasm producing visible discoloration, not prolonged muscle weakness, increased blood flow, or nerve entrapment. So, the best description is an artery spasm causing discoloration.