The femoral site was used to perform an angiocardiogram on a client with atherosclerosis. Which of the following is a recommended nursing consideration following the surgery?

Question

A) Wake the client and ambulate 1 hour following the procedure.
B) Instruct the client to flex the legs every 20 minutes to prevent clots.
C) Check peripheral pulses distal to the site and the color and warmth of the extremity.
D) Have the client sit up in bed for up to 8 hours following surgery

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
The nurse should check peripheral pulses distal to the site, check the color and warmth of the affected extremity, and assess motor and sensory function. The client should be kept on bed rest until he or she is fully awake. The nurse should instruct the client not to bend the leg or flex the hip for up to 8 hours if the femoral site was used. After any study in which the femoral site is used, the client should lie flat for up to 8 hours to help prevent swelling, bruising, and bleeding at the puncture site.