What assessment finding would indicate a possible obstruction?

A significant gradient change between thigh and calf pressures suggests a possible obstruction in the arterial flow. In a healthy vascular system, blood pressure should typically decrease in a gradual and proportional manner as blood flows from the larger arteries into smaller ones. When there is a notable difference, or a steep gradient, between the pressures measured in the thigh and the calf, it indicates that there may be a blockage or narrowing in the arterial pathway, which is preventing adequate blood flow.

In contrast, normal blood flow with no gradient changes, stable pressure readings across different segments, and normal velocity throughout the arterial system are all indicative of a healthy vascular system without significant obstructions. These conditions suggest that blood is able to flow freely without any hindrance, making them less likely to signify a problem.