Question

an elderly adult patient without prior history of cardiovascular disease reports lower leg soreness and fatigue when shopping or walking in the neighborhood. the primary care provider notes decreased pedal pulses bilaterally. which test will the provider order initially to evaluate for peripheral arterial disease based on these symptoms?
digital subtraction angiography
doppler ankle, arm index
magnetic resonance angiography
segmental limb pressure measurement

Explanation:

The Doppler ankle - arm index (ABI) is a non - invasive and commonly used initial test for evaluating peripheral arterial disease. It compares blood pressure in the ankles to that in the arms. Digital subtraction angiography and magnetic resonance angiography are more invasive and advanced imaging techniques, not usually the first - line tests. Segmental limb pressure measurements can also be used but are more complex and not the most common initial test compared to ABI.

Answer:

B. Doppler ankle, arm index