What it means
The lower extremity includes the thigh, knee, lower leg, ankle and foot. Nurses assess it for pulses, skin color and temperature, swelling, sensation and movement, and compare the two sides. The arm is the upper extremity.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | LE; BLE (both lower extremities) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | extremidad inferior |
| Also written | lower extremities |
Related terms
edema
Swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.
deep vein thrombosis
A blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the leg or pelvis.
unilateral
On or affecting only one side of the body.