Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

What provides accurate identification of the anatomic location and degree of stenosis in arterial disease?

1. Cilostazol (Pletal)

2. Angiography

3. Doppler ultrasound

4. MRI Angiography

The correct answer is: Doppler ultrasound

The identification of the anatomic location and degree of stenosis in arterial disease relies heavily on imaging techniques that can visualize blood vessels and their conditions. Among the choices provided, Doppler ultrasound is particularly valuable because it uses sound waves to measure the speed of blood flow and can help assess blood flow characteristics within the arteries. By evaluating blood flow patterns, it can indicate whether there is a blockage or narrowing (stenosis) in the artery. Doppler ultrasound can differentiate between various degrees of stenosis based on the velocity of blood flow, as higher velocities often indicate significant narrowing. While it may not provide as detailed an anatomical image as some other methods, it still offers important functional information about the blood vessels, which is critical in managing and treating arterial disease. Other options, such as angiography, directly visualize the blood vessels and provide a more precise anatomical picture of stenosis, but they are often more invasive and require contrast material, making them less suitable for initial screening compared to Doppler ultrasound. MRI angiography also offers detailed images and is beneficial for certain patients, but it may have limitations regarding accessibility and cost in the immediate clinical setting. Cilostazol, on the other hand, is a medication used to improve symptoms of intermittent claudication but