During The Rubor Of Dependency Test for Peripheral Arterial Disease, Elevating the Leg 45 Degrees for One Minute Yields Which Observation?

• A. Mild Blanching on the Plantar Aspect of the Foot
• B. Dark Redness on the Plantar Aspect of the Foot
• C. Normal Coloration on the Plantar Aspect of the Foot
• D. Dramatic Blanching on the Plantar Aspect of the Foot

Answer: (D)

The test evaluates how well blood is flowing to the foot when the leg is lifted. Elevating the leg to about 45 degrees reduces arterial inflow to the distal tissues. In a limb with significant arterial blockage, the blood supply is already compromised, so cutting down the inflow causes the plantar skin to lose color rapidly—producing dramatic blanching. This brisk pale change signals substantial arterial insufficiency. If the leg were instead allowed to hang down, a reactive redness (rubor) would typically appear, helping confirm PAD. Milder blanching, normal coloration, or a dark redness would not align with the pronounced loss of perfusion seen with severe arterial disease during elevation.