Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

An abnormally high Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) often indicates what condition?

1. Blood vessel thickening

2. Vein incompetence

3. Severe arterial stenosis

4. Venous thrombosis

The correct answer is: Blood vessel thickening

An abnormally high Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is generally an indication of significant arterial diseases, specifically conditions related to arterial stiffness or calcification, which is often associated with blood vessel thickening. A high ABI suggests that despite potential blockages or narrowing within the arteries, there is an increased pressure in the ankle compared to the arm, potentially due to stiffened arteries that do not appropriately dilate. This abnormality may arise in older patients or those with diabetes and can indicate atherosclerosis or other arterial pathologies. A higher ABI can particularly suggest the presence of arterial calcification or conditions such as Monckeberg's arteriosclerosis, where the arterial walls become rigid due to calcium deposits, rather than narrowing or occlusion of the arterial lumen. Understanding the ABI is crucial for assessing peripheral artery disease and differentiating it from other vascular conditions, with a high ABI suggesting several implications, including the need for increased monitoring or intervention.