AANP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

AV nicking is a specific finding observed during a fundoscopic examination of the retina, where the veins appear to be "nicked" or narrowed at the point where they cross over an artery. This phenomenon is primarily associated with hypertensive retinopathy, which results from chronic high blood pressure.

In hypertensive retinopathy, the consistent elevation in blood pressure causes changes in the retinal blood vessels, including arteriolar narrowing, increased tortuosity, and the aforementioned AV nicking. These alterations reflect the vascular changes and damage that occur due to sustained hypertension, making AV nicking a critical indicator of this condition.

Understanding the relevance of AV nicking can assist in diagnosing and monitoring patients with high blood pressure, aiding in the prevention of more severe complications associated with hypertensive changes in the retina. This highlights the importance of regular eye examinations in patients with a history of hypertension.