Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

What ABI value indicates the presence of Lower Extremity Arterial Disease (LEAD)?

1. 1.3

2. 0.9

3. 0.64

4. 0.8

The correct answer is: 0.64

The diagnosis of Lower Extremity Arterial Disease (LEAD) is commonly associated with an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) value that indicates reduced blood flow to the lower extremities. An ABI value of 0.9 is considered to be the threshold below which LEAD may be indicated. An ABI below 0.9 generally suggests the presence of some degree of arterial insufficiency, with lower values indicating more severe disease. A value of 0.64 signifies more significant arterial compromise and is strongly suggestive of LEAD, as it indicates that there is reduced perfusion to the lower limbs. This level of ABI is often considered to indicate moderate to severe peripheral arterial occlusion, correlating with symptoms such as intermittent claudication or even rest pain in advanced cases. While an ABI of 0.8 may also indicate some peripheral arterial disease, the most clear-cut association with LEAD, especially when considering intervention or further diagnostic evaluation, would more reliably point towards lower values like 0.64. An ABI greater than 1.0, such as 1.3, typically suggests conditions like arterial stiffening rather than LEAD itself. In summary, an ABI value of 0.64 signifies substantial vascular