An arterial ulcer can be best described as:
- A deep wound with a punched-out appearance that is painful.
Arterial ulcers are typically caused by poor blood circulation, specifically in the arteries. Due to the lack of proper blood flow, the affected area can develop a deep, punched-out wound that is often painful. This distinguishes arterial ulcers from other types of ulcers, like venous or pressure ulcers.
The base of an arterial ulcer may not have healthy tissue due to the lack of adequate oxygen and nutrients reaching the area. This can lead to the base appearing ruddy, beefy red, and may sometimes be covered with fibrous tissue as the healing process is compromised.
Therefore, among the given options, the description of an arterial ulcer as a deep wound with a punched-out appearance that is painful best fits the characteristics typically associated with arterial ulcers.
