VT ABI & Segmental Pressure Testing 2

Question 1

A diabetic patient has an ABI of 1.4. What is the most appropriate next diagnostic step?

Accepted Answer

Perform toe-brachial index (TBI) measurement

Answer

An ABI ≥1.4 indicates non-compressible vessels due to medial calcification, common in diabetics, so TBI is used as an alternative measure of perfusion.

Question 2

Segmental pressures show a gradient of 30 mmHg between the high thigh and above-knee cuff. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Superficial femoral artery disease

Answer

A pressure drop of ≥20–30 mmHg between the high thigh and above-knee segments localizes disease to the superficial femoral artery.

Question 3

Which waveform finding at the femoral level, combined with a normal ABI at rest, most strongly suggests iliac inflow disease?

Accepted Answer

Monophasic waveform

Answer

A monophasic waveform at the femoral level indicates damped inflow, suggesting proximal (iliac) stenosis even when resting ABI appears borderline normal.

Question 4

When performing ABI, why is the higher of the two brachial systolic pressures used as the denominator?

Accepted Answer

To minimize false-positive results for PAD

Answer

Using the higher brachial pressure as the denominator avoids overestimating the ABI and reduces false-positive PAD diagnoses when arm pressures differ.

Question 5

A patient's exercise ABI drops from 0.95 at rest to 0.55 immediately post-treadmill. What is the interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Hemodynamically significant PAD unmasked by exercise

Answer

A post-exercise ABI drop of ≥0.15–0.20 from baseline confirms hemodynamically significant PAD that was not apparent at rest.

(VT) Vascular Technician Certification Practice Test

(VT) Vascular Technician Certification Practice Test

VT ABI & Segmental Pressure Testing 2