ABSTRACT
Introduces self and confirms patient’s name and date of birth Explains the need for measuring the ABPI and the procedure, and seeks permission Positions and exposes the patient adequately Locates the brachial pulse of either arm and measures the brachial systolic pressure using the hand-held Doppler States intention to measure the brachial systolic pressure in the other arm and to use the higher of the two readings to calculate the ABPI Locates the posterior tibial pulse in the right leg and measures the posterior tibial systolic pressure using the hand-held Doppler Locates the dorsalis pedis pulse in the right leg and measures the dorsalis pedis systolic pressure using the hand-held Doppler Calculates the ABPI for the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses Interprets results correctly Ensures that patient is made comfortable Cleans hands by washing or using alcohol gel Explains results to patient appropriately
Examiner global rating
KEY This is a difficult skill to demonstrate fluently and in the short time available for an OSCE station. If the time in your OSCE is short, you will probably only be expected to measure the ABPI in one leg, and you can save time by stating that you would measure the brachial systolic pressure in both arms and simply demonstrate it in one. It is the higher of the two brachial systolic pressure readings that is used to calculate the ABPI. You need to be familiar with the anatomical landmarks of the brachial, dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses and with palpating pulses.
