Cardiovascular and Pulmonary: Tests of Peripheral Arterial Circulation

Question 1

Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)

Answer 1

• The ratio of lower extremity pressure divided by upper extremity pressure

Question 2

Ankle Brachial Index: How to perform

Answer 2

• Patient is supine and at rest for 5 min
• BP cuff is inflated to occlude blood flow temporarily, then deflated
• Therapist listens for return of flow
• UE test performed at brachial artery
• LE test performed at posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis

Question 3

Color: Rubor and Pallor

Answer 3

• Examine for changes of color with elevation of foot followed by dependency
• With insufficiency, pallor develops in elevated position followed by rubor in dependency
• Changes that take longer than 30 seconds are also indicative of arterial insufficiency