What symptom would you expect to see in a patient diagnosed with acute arterial occlusion?

The symptom of a cool extremity with a mottled appearance is characteristic of acute arterial occlusion. This condition occurs when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to the extremities, which can be due to various causes, such as embolism or thrombosis. The disruption in blood supply leads to inadequate perfusion, resulting in coldness (hypothermia) of the affected limb.

Additionally, the mottled appearance, often described as cyanosis or pallor, results from the lack of oxygenated blood and can indicate tissue ischemia. This symptom reflects the severity of the blood flow compromise and serves as a clinical sign of the urgency of the situation, as untreated acute arterial occlusion can lead to tissue necrosis and loss of limb.

In contrast, the other symptoms listed would not typically present in an acute arterial occlusion scenario. A warm extremity with a pulse present suggests adequate blood flow rather than an occlusion. Persistent swelling of the limb might hint at venous issues or other causes like inflammation, which are not typical in the context of acute arterial occlusion. Routine pain on movement could be present in various musculoskeletal conditions or chronic vascular problems but is not specifically indicative of acute arterial blockage.