Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) result of less than 1.0 indicates the presence of peripheral artery disease (PAD). The ABI is a simple, non-invasive test that compares the blood pressure in the patient's ankle with the blood pressure in their arm. A normal ABI range is between 1.0 to 1.4, which suggests adequate blood flow and normal arterial function.

When the ABI is less than 1.0, it suggests that the arteries in the legs are narrowed or blocked, which is indicative of PAD. This condition occurs due to atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries, reducing blood flow to the limbs and leading to symptoms such as leg pain during exercise, also known as claudication.

While an ABI less than 0.9 is traditionally used to diagnose PAD, an ABI less than 1.0 raises concerns that warrant further evaluation and management to prevent complications, such as severe ischemia or critical limb ischemia in advanced cases.

This understanding aligns with the clinical implications of an ABI less than 1.0, aiding healthcare professionals in effectively assessing and managing patients at risk for cardiovascular complications.