Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What does an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) of 1.0 indicate?

1. Severe ischemia

2. Normal blood flow

3. Borderline perfusion

4. Elevated blood flow

The correct answer is: Normal blood flow

An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) of 1.0 indicates normal blood flow. The ABI is a simple, non-invasive test used to assess blood circulation in the limbs. It compares the blood pressure in the patient's ankle with the blood pressure in the arm. A normal ABI range is typically from 1.0 to 1.4. An ABI of 1.0 shows that the pressure in the ankle is equal to the pressure in the arm, meaning that there is adequate blood flow to the lower extremities. This suggests that there is no significant arterial obstruction or peripheral artery disease affecting circulation. In contrast, values lower than 1.0, such as those indicating severe ischemia or borderline perfusion, would suggest compromised blood flow, while values above 1.4 could indicate potential issues with calcified blood vessels. However, an ABI of 1.0 is completely within the normal range, reflecting healthy perfusion.