RVT - Registered Vascular Technologist Peripheral Arterial Physiologic Testing Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient presents with claudication.
The right brachial pressure is 140 mmHg and the left brachial pressure is 130 mmHg.
The right posterior tibial artery pressure is 70 mmHg and the right dorsalis pedis artery pressure is 65 mmHg.
What is the correct Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) for the right leg?

Accepted Answer

0.50

Answer

0.96

Answer

0.46

Answer

1.07

Question 2

A patient undergoes a segmental pressure study. The following resting systolic pressures are obtained: Right Brachial: 150 mmHg, Right High Thigh: 130 mmHg, Right Above Knee: 125 mmHg, Right Below Knee: 120 mmHg, Right Ankle: 115 mmHg. Which of the following is the most likely location of significant arterial disease?

Accepted Answer

Right iliofemoral arteries

Answer

Right popliteal artery

Answer

Right tibial arteries

Answer

No significant disease is present

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary purpose for performing an exercise stress test in a patient with suspected peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and a borderline resting ABI?

Accepted Answer

To unmask a hemodynamically significant stenosis that is not apparent at rest.

Answer

To measure the maximum heart rate achieved during exercise.

Answer

To evaluate for coronary artery disease.

Answer

To determine the patient's pain tolerance.

Question 4

While performing a Doppler assessment of the femoral artery, a technologist observes a waveform with a sharp systolic upstroke, followed by a brief period of flow reversal in early diastole, and a final phase of low-level forward flow in late diastole. How would this waveform be best characterized?

Accepted Answer

Triphasic

Answer

Monophasic

Answer

Biphasic

Answer

Tardus Parvus

Question 5

A patient with diabetes and suspected digital ischemia undergoes photoplethysmography (PPG) of the great toe. The resulting waveform is severely dampened with a delayed upstroke and a rounded peak. What is the most likely interpretation of this finding?

Accepted Answer

Significant proximal arterial occlusive disease

Answer

Normal arterial inflow

Answer

Vasospastic disorder

Answer

Venous insufficiency

Question 6

When performing pulse volume recordings (PVRs), what is the standard cuff inflation pressure used to sense volume changes in the limb segment without occluding arterial inflow?

Accepted Answer

65 mmHg

Answer

20 mmHg

Answer

100 mmHg

Answer

Slightly above systolic pressure