Clinical Educator OCOM Hospital Newcastle, Oklahoma, United States
Disclosure(s):
Katelynn Vaughan, BSN, RN, CNOR: No financial relationships to disclose
Description: This project highlights the development and implementation of a standardized Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) protocol aimed at identifying lower limb ischemia in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. By integrating ABI assessments into both Pre-Op and PACU workflows, our team established a screening process that improves patient safety and surgical decision-making.
Preoperatively, ABI results help determine surgical eligibility, allowing the care team to cancel or delay procedures for patients with critically low readings. Postoperatively, ABI measurements in PACU support safe discharge planning and timely escalation when ischemia is suspected.
This demonstrates how a simple, non-invasive assessment tool can be used to reduce the risk of limb complications and optimize perioperative outcomes. The protocol has increased interdisciplinary communication and empowered nursing staff to play a key role in early detection and intervention.
