Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Which test is best for assessing blood flow to the lower leg?

1. Doppler ultrasound

2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

3. Computerized Tomography (CT)

4. X-ray

The correct answer is: Doppler ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound is the best test for assessing blood flow to the lower leg due to its ability to evaluate blood vessel conditions and measure the speed of blood flow through those vessels. This non-invasive technique uses sound waves to create images of blood vessels and can identify blockages or abnormalities in blood flow, making it particularly beneficial in assessing venous and arterial conditions in the lower extremities. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerized Tomography (CT) scans primarily focus on providing detailed images of the body’s internal structures, including soft tissues, which may be less effective for specifically evaluating blood flow. While both imaging modalities can offer some insights into vascular structures, they do not provide real-time measurements of blood flow or the functional status of the vascular system like Doppler ultrasound. X-rays are primarily used to visualize bone structure and may not provide useful information for assessing blood flow in soft tissues or blood vessels, making them an unsuitable choice for this purpose.