Rationale of the Week | Understanding Ankle Brachial Index – What is True?
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on understanding ankle brachial index. 68% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
Question: People of color living with diabetes are at increased risk of lower extremity complications and amputations. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) measures lower extremity vessel disease in individuals with diabetes and is an important tool to evaluate risk of future complications.
Which of the following is true regarding ABI?
Answer Choices:
- ABI result of less than 0.90 indicates peripheral arterial disease.
- ABI compares brachial systolic blood pressures between left and right arms.
- People with bounding pulses in lower extremities benefit from ABI testing.
- ABI testing can only be conducted by a vascular specialist.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer 1 is correct. 67.75% chose this answer. “ABI result of less than 0.90 indicates peripheral arterial disease.” GREAT JOB. The ABI is a ratio that measures arterial perfusion in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities. In brief, the ABI compares the systolic brachial pressure in the arm to the systolic pressure of the lower extremity (using the posterior tibial or dorsalis pedis pressure). To indicate adequate arterial circulation, the lower extremity pressure should be equal to the brachial pressure, or a ratio of 0.99 or better. Therefore, an ABI of less than 0.99 indicates decreased arterial circulation in lower extremities; an alert of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) People with peripheral arterial disease may also complain of pain in calves, legs or buttocks when walking that is relieved by stopping movement. Discovery of PAD requires referral to a specialist to determine next steps to treat PAD and to mitigate future risk of lower extremity complications and heart disease. For more info, we offer a FREE webinar called 3 Steps to DeFeet Amputation. Assess, Screen Report.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 9.0% of you chose this answer. “ABI compares brachial systolic blood pressures between left and right arms.” The ABI is a ratio that measures arterial perfusion in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities. In brief, the ABI compares the systolic brachial pressure in the arm to the systolic pressure of the lower extremity (using the posterior tibial or dorsalis pedis pressure). For more info, we offer a FREE webinar called 3 Steps to DeFeet Amputation. Assess, Screen Report.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 14.5% of respondents chose this. “People with bounding pulses in lower extremities benefit from ABI testing.” Bounding pulses in the lower extremity is a positive sign of adequate lower extremity circulation. For more info, we offer a FREE webinar called 3 Steps to DeFeet Amputation. Assess, Screen Report.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 8.75% chose this answer. “ABI testing can only be conducted by a vascular specialist.” ABI can be conducted in a variety of medical settings as long as the health care professional has completed training on how to perform an accurate ABI, For more info, we offer a FREE webinar called 3 Steps to DeFeet Amputation. Assess, Screen Report.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
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