A client has returned from a cardiac angiography via the left femoral artery. Two hours after the procedure, the nurse notes that the left pedal pulse is weak. What is the nurse's best action?
a. Elevate the leg and apply a sandbag to the entrance site.
b. Increase the flow rate of intravenous flu-ids.
c. Assess the color and temperature of the left leg.
d. Document the finding as left pedal pulse of +1/4.
C
Loss of a pulse distal to an angiography entry site is serious, indicating a possible arterial ob-struction. The pulse may be faint because of edema. The left pulse should be compared with the right, and pulses should be compared with previous assessments, especially before the procedure. Assessing color (pale, cyanosis) and temperature (cool, cold) will identify a decrease in circula-tion. Once all peripheral and vascular assessment data are acquired, the primary health care pro-vider should be notified.
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