How will the extremities of a client experiencing a myocardial infarction (MI) typically feel?

In the context of a myocardial infarction (MI), or heart attack, it is common for the extremities of the client to feel cold and clammy. This response occurs due to poor blood circulation as the heart is not effectively pumping blood, leading to decreased oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues.

During an MI, the body initiates a stress response that causes vasoconstriction, which can result in cooler skin temperature in the limbs. Additionally, the activation of the sympathetic nervous system during this acute event often leads to sweating (diaphoresis), which contributes to the clammy feeling of the skin. This combination of coldness and clamminess in the extremities is a significant clinical manifestation that can help healthcare providers identify and respond to a myocardial infarction.