Question

A patient has just returned from aortofemoral bypass grafting. He has bilateral audible pulses. How is the ankle-brachial index (ABI) calculated?

A. Divide the brachial pressure by the ankle pressure on the opposite side.
B. Divide the ankle pressure by the brachial pressure on the opposite side.
C. Divide the brachial pressure by the ankle pressure on the same side.
D. Divide the ankle pressure by the brachial pressure on the same side.

Answer 1

The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is calculated by dividing the ankle pressure by the brachial pressure on the same side.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is calculated by dividing the ankle pressure by the brachial pressure on the same side (Option D). When performing this calculation, the systolic blood pressure measurement at the ankle is compared to the systolic blood pressure measurement at the arm. It is a simple, non-invasive test used to check for peripheral artery disease (PAD). A blood pressure cuff is placed on the patient's arm and ankle, and the pressures are measured using a Doppler device after the cuff is inflated and then gradually deflated. The ABI is the ratio of the ankle systolic pressure to the brachial systolic pressure, and values less than 1 can indicate narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs.