What can be inferred from a high frequency signal when listening over a stenotic lesion with a continuous-wave Doppler?

A high frequency signal detected over a stenotic lesion with a continuous-wave Doppler typically suggests that the blood flow is exhibiting turbulence due to the narrowing of the vessel. As blood flows through the stenosis, the velocity increases, which can lead to disturbed and non-laminar flow patterns downstream. This turbulence is characterized by a broadening of the Doppler signal and higher frequency components, indicating that the flow conditions are not smooth, but rather chaotic and disturbed.

This context helps to understand the implications of the other options. A characteristic of low resistance flow may not be present in this scenario, as stenosis often leads to a high resistance pattern due to increased flow velocity and flow alterations. Furthermore, a normal arterial signal is not indicated; instead, a high frequency component implies differences from normal velocity profiles. Additionally, a stable arterial signal would suggest laminar flow and absent turbulence, which is contrary to what is observed in this situation. Thus, a high-frequency signal is indicative of turbulence just distal to the stenosis rather than normal conditions or stability in blood flow.