The nurse is caring for a client who may have an arterial obstruction in her right ulnar artery.Which of the following tests may be used to help determine the patency of this artery?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Allen's test is used to assess the patency of the ulnar artery by assessing the collateral circulation in the hand. The nurse will occlude both the ulnar and radial arteries while the client makes a fist, then release pressure on one artery at a time and observe for return of color to the hand. This will help determine if the ulnar artery is patent or if blood flow is being supplied by collateral circulation from the radial artery. The other choices are not appropriate for assessing arterial patency.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who May Have