Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

What does an ABI below 0.6 indicate in patients with venous insufficiency regarding compression therapy?

1. Compression is highly recommended

2. Compression therapy is contraindicated

3. Compression should be partial and monitored

4. Compression can only be applied at nighttime

The correct answer is: Compression therapy is contraindicated

An ankle-brachial index (ABI) below 0.6 suggests significant peripheral arterial disease and indicates a higher risk of complications when implementing compression therapy. In such cases, compression therapy could exacerbate existing ischemia by further restricting blood flow to the area, resulting in poor tissue perfusion and potential wound deterioration or necrosis. Therefore, when interpreting ABI findings, a value under 0.6 is a contraindication for the use of compression therapy in patients with venous insufficiency. This is crucial for practitioners to consider as effective patient care hinges on balancing the need for compression with the safety of the underlying vascular conditions. Understanding the implications of ABI measurements can guide healthcare professionals to provide appropriate interventions to avoid harming the patient while treating venous insufficiency.