A client with suspected peripheral vascular disease is scheduled for an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test. The nurse explains that this test measures:

A) This choice is correct. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a non-invasive test that compares the blood pressure in the arms and legs. The test involves using a blood pressure cuff and Doppler ultrasound to measure blood pressure in the ankles and arms. The ratio of ankle to brachial pressure helps assess the severity of peripheral vascular disease and determine if there is reduced blood flow to the legs.

B) This choice is incorrect because oxygen saturation in the extremities is not directly measured with an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test. Oxygen saturation is commonly measured using pulse oximetry, which assesses the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is saturated with oxygen.

C) This choice is incorrect because an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is not used to measure blood glucose levels before and after meals. Blood glucose levels are typically assessed using a blood test or fingerstick glucose monitoring in clients with diabetes.

D) This choice is incorrect because an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test does not evaluate blood flow through the heart's chambers. It focuses on assessing blood pressure and blood flow in the arms and legs to diagnose peripheral vascular disease.

A) This choice is incorrect because cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure that involves the insertion of a catheter into the heart chambers or coronary arteries. It is used to assess the heart's structure and function, not blood flow in the legs.

B) This choice is incorrect because an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart to assess heart rate and rhythm. It is not used to assess blood flow in the legs.

C) This choice is correct. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of blood vessels. It can assess blood flow in the legs, identify blockages, and provide valuable information about the vascular status of the extremities.

D) This choice is incorrect because a pulmonary function test (PFT) is a test used to assess lung function and diagnose respiratory conditions. It is not used to assess blood flow in the legs or detect peripheral vascular disease.

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