American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

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Prepare for the AACN Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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Which test is commonly used to diagnose peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?

Chest X-ray
Echocardiogram
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
Electrocardiogram (ECG)

The correct answer is: Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)

The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is the standard test used to diagnose peripheral vascular disease (PVD) because it specifically measures blood flow to the limbs and compares the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm. A lower ABI value indicates reduced blood flow, which is characteristic of PVD. This test is non-invasive and provides direct insight into the vascular condition of the lower extremities, making it particularly effective for identifying the presence and severity of arterial occlusion or narrowing. In contrast, a chest X-ray primarily assesses the heart and lungs rather than peripheral circulation. An echocardiogram is focused on cardiac function and structure, and while it is invaluable for diagnosing heart conditions, it does not evaluate the peripheral arteries directly. An electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors the electrical activity of the heart, which is crucial for diagnosing arrhythmias and other cardiac issues, but does not provide information regarding peripheral vascular health. Therefore, the ABI stands out as the most relevant and commonly used test for diagnosing PVD.