In assessing an 87-year-old obese female with calf pain, what is the initial assessment you would conduct?

In assessing an elderly obese female with calf pain, measuring calf circumference and performing Doppler studies serves as a comprehensive initial assessment. This approach is particularly relevant for identifying venous versus arterial issues causing the calf pain. By measuring the calf circumference, you can identify potential swelling that may indicate conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other venous pathologies. An increase in circumference is often associated with fluid accumulation, which is critical in the elderly population who may be more prone to these conditions.

Furthermore, Doppler studies are instrumental in evaluating blood flow and can help determine if there are any venous clots or arterial blockages contributing to the patient's symptoms. This dual assessment provides valuable information necessary for making a diagnosis and is an appropriate first step in the management of calf pain in an elderly patient.

The other options, such as checking popliteal and femoral pulses, while providing information about circulation, do not specifically focus on the immediate evaluation of calf pain as effectively as the proposed choice. These options do not incorporate the assessment of calf circumference, which is crucial for identifying swelling indicative of various medical conditions in this demographic.