CLINICAL SKILLS - ABPI

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Hello my name is Anjali Singh and I am a third year medical student.

Please can i confirm your name, age and DoB?

I am now going to check your wrist band.

Today I have been asked to carry out an ABPI which will involve me checking the blood supply to your legs. This is a procedure will involve me taking a blood pressure in your arms and your legs. I will do this by wrapping a blood pressure cuff round your arm then your leg. The cuff will go quite tight but just let me know if it is too tight. Is this ok?

Question 2

How to carry out and ABPI? (14)

Answer 2

1. wash hands
2. get doppler, gel and contact gel
3. feel for brachial artery
4. put cuff on
5. put gel on
6. put doppler on brachial artery - 45 degrees
7. should hear pulsations
8. pump up cuff until sound disappears
9. deflate until sound returns
10. repeat on opposite arm - take highest value
11. repeat on posterior tibial and dorsal is pedis
12. repeat same on other leg
13. take highest value between posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis
14. calculate ABPI for both legs

Question 3

What key things must you ensure? (2)

Answer 3

1. the patient is at 45 degrees

2. put dopple at 45 degrees to patient