Allen, don't test me!
The Allen test evaluates this feature of the peripheral vascular system.
What is patency of the radial or ulnar arteries?
Normal findings on the Allen test.
What is pink coloration returning to the palms within 3 to 5 seconds?
What is testing for arterial insufficiency?
Normal findings of the position change test before the client sits up and dangles their legs.
What is feet pink to slightly pale in color in the light-skinned client or color change in the soles of the feet of darker-skinned clients?
The two scenarios in which an Allen test should be performed.
What are when patency is questionable or before procedures such as a radial artery puncture?
Abnormal findings on the Allen test.
What is persistent pallor?
The finding that necessitates use of the position change test.
What is weak pulsation in the legs?
The two findings of the position change test after the client sits up and dangles their legs.
What are:
(a) the return of a pinkish color to the tips of the toes in 10 seconds or less; and
(b) the filling of the superficial veins on top of the feet in 15 seconds or less?
The first step of the Allen Test.
What is: (i) having the client rest the hand palm side up on the examination table and make a fist; and (ii) using your thumbs to occlude the radial and ulnar arteries?
The significance of a positive result on the Allen test.
The patient does not have an adequate dual blood supply to the hand. A single artery is not enough.
The first two steps of the position change test.
What are:
1. Ask the client to adopt a supine position; and
2. Place one forearm under both of the client’s ankles and the other forearm underneath the knees.
A factor that would lead to an inaccurate position change test result.
What is if a client has peripheral vascular disease of the veins with incompetent valves?
The second step of the Allen test.
What is continuing pressure to keep both arteries occluded and having the client release the fist?
The significance of a negative result during the Allen test.
The patient has an adequate dual blood supply to the hand. A single artery is enough to supply the hand and fingers.
The third step of the position change test.
What is raising the legs 12 inches above the level of the heart?
An abnormal finding during the positing change test with the legs elevated.
The two possible causes of persistent pallor during the Allen test.
What are arterial insufficiency and occlusion of the artery in question?
The fourth step of the position change test.
What is, as you support the client’s legs, asking the client to pump the feet up and down for about a minute to drain the legs of venous blood, leaving only arterial blood to color the legs?
An abnormal finding regarding the client's toes during a position change test.
What is a return of pink color that takes longer than 10 seconds?
The third step of the Allen test for ulnar patency.
What is releasing the pressure on the ulnar artery and watching for color to return to the hand?
A factor that could produce a false-positive on the Allen test.
What is the client opening the hand into exaggerated extension?
The last step of the position change test.
What is asking the client to sit up and dangle legs off the side of the examination table while noting the color of both feet and the time it takes for color to return?
An abnormal finding through the position change test with respect to the superficial veins.
What are superficial veins that take longer than 15 seconds to fill?