Which two arterial sites are alternative options for the ankle pressure if necessary?

The correct answer identifies the peroneal and dorsalis pedis arteries as alternative sites for measuring ankle pressure. This approach is particularly valuable when the primary site is not accessible or if there are concerns regarding the quality of the waveform obtained.

The peroneal artery runs deep in the leg and can be accessed to provide blood flow measurements, making it a suitable alternative for ankle pressure assessments. The dorsalis pedis artery, located on the dorsal aspect of the foot, can also be palpated easily and provides an important indication of circulation to the foot. Both arteries can yield valuable information about peripheral arterial disease.

In contrast, the other options involve sites that are not typically associated with ankle pressure measurements. For instance, the popliteal artery, while significant for assessing leg circulation, is not used for measuring ankle pressures since it’s located behind the knee. Similarly, the radial, subclavian, and ulnar arteries are primarily associated with arm circulation and do not correlate effectively with ankle pressures needed to assess lower extremity vascular health.