Using the metatarsal pulse with a Poor Man's Doppler, a 'Present' result indicates BP is at least how many mmHg?

Using the metatarsal pulse with a Poor Man's Doppler, a 'Present' result indicates BP is at least how many mmHg?

• A. 60 mmHg
• B. 70 mmHg
• C. 90 mmHg
• D. 100 mmHg

Answer: (C)

Using a Poor Man's Doppler on the metatarsal pulse, a signal that is present means you can detect arterial flow at the current cuff pressure, which corresponds to the systolic blood pressure being at least about 90 mmHg. This method relies on the device’s limited sensitivity to detect the pedal pulse—the threshold at which flow becomes detectable in the foot with this setup is around 90 mmHg. So, a “present” result indicates the SBP is not lower than roughly 90 mmHg; if the SBP were lower, the Doppler signal would not be detectable.

Using a Poor Man's Doppler on the metatarsal pulse, a signal that is present means you can detect arterial flow at the current cuff pressure, which corresponds to the systolic blood pressure being at least about 90 mmHg. This method relies on the device’s limited sensitivity to detect the pedal pulse—the threshold at which flow becomes detectable in the foot with this setup is around 90 mmHg. So, a “present” result indicates the SBP is not lower than roughly 90 mmHg; if the SBP were lower, the Doppler signal would not be detectable.