← Full lesson and references Paired practice cardsSt Emlyn’s · MLA

One learner performs. One learner checks the key steps and gives feedback. Then swap roles. This is a practice aid, not an official mark scheme.

Examiner / observer

Peripheral vascular examination

Tick the actions you observe. Discuss any step that was not needed for this examination; unchecked boxes are not a score.

Examiner / observer · 1 of 3

Peripheral vascular examination

Preparation · History and inspection

Agree supervision and any communication or chaperone support before starting. Provide a couch, Doppler, gel, suitable blood-pressure cuffs and a tape measure. Agree whether a full ABPI will be practised or described. Protect privacy when discussing femoral pulse assessment.

St Emlyn’s · MLA · Practice aid, not an official mark schemeObserver 1 of 3

Examiner / observer · 2 of 3

Peripheral vascular examination

Perfusion and function

Compares temperature, tenderness and capillary refill.

Compares femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses.

Characterises oedema and compares circumference when relevant.

Assesses sensation and asks the patient to move their toes.

St Emlyn’s · MLA · Practice aid, not an official mark schemeObserver 2 of 3

Examiner / observer · 3 of 3

Peripheral vascular examination

Doppler and ABPI · Close

Doppler and ABPI

Uses Doppler for difficult-to-palpate pulses and records arterial signals.

If using Buerger’s test, observes elevation pallor and dependent rubor; treats these as adjunctive findings, not a stand-alone exclusion test.

If ABPI is appropriate, rests the person supine and uses suitable cuffs and Doppler.

Measures systolic pressures in both arms and the ankle arteries.

For each leg, divides its highest ankle pressure by the highest arm pressure.

Interprets ABPI with symptoms and comorbidity; normal/high values do not exclude PAD in diabetes. Key step

Close

Restores comfort and privacy, offers help with dressing and thanks the patient.

Ask the candidate

How would you present your findings and their significance? Describe side, distribution and severity of perfusion, wound and neurological findings. Distinguish possible acute limb ischaemia from chronic disease or other causes of swelling. Interpret Doppler/ABPI in context and explain appropriate cardiovascular assessment, imaging or vascular referral.

What would you do next, and why? Explain the important uncertainty, a relevant next assessment and when help is needed. State what you could not assess.

Feedback

What went well:

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St Emlyn’s · MLA · Practice aid, not an official mark schemeObserver 3 of 3

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Peripheral vascular examination

Your task

Starting information

Peripheral vascular examination

Peripheral vascular examination

Preparation

History and inspection

Peripheral vascular examination

Perfusion and function

Peripheral vascular examination

Doppler and ABPI

Close

Ask the candidate

Feedback